Complete reflow oven available on Kickstarter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: engineertype
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 05, 2014, 04:38:25 am
content: ControLeo2 is available as just the controller, an oven build kit or the complete reflow oven. The software used for the reflow oven is open-sourced.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1471240030/controleo2-reflow-ovenThere’s also a comprehensive reflow oven build guide.http://whizoo.com/reflowoven

author: leppie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2014, 05:33:57 am
content: Looks nice

author: Fred27
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 05, 2014, 10:22:31 am
content: I think this one is a lot nicer.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1070729460/zallus-oven-controllerAnother plus is that the Kickstarter's not even finished and he's already starting to assemble them. He's further along than plenty of other projects are months after funding's complete.

author: engineertype
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 05, 2014, 05:17:56 pm
content: Assembly has started on ControLeo2 too. Check the updates.Zallus looks very nice, and it is very clear that a huge amount of work has gone into it. While the display looks pretty amazing, at the end of the day what matters most is how the boards turn out.I've looked at both projects, and I think these are the important differences:Zallus has an amazing display. ControLeo2 uses a 2x16 LCD displayControLeo2 has 4 outputs. Zallus has 1, but next year's V2 will add fan controlControLeo2 is $55 Vs Zallus with 2.4" screen at $80ControLeo2 is open-source (the software has been posted already).Sorry if I missed something. Please correct me if that is the case.

author: John_ITIC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2014, 09:06:20 pm
content: Years ago I bought a Chinese reflow oven from Ebay. I think all cheaper versions contain a quartz-lamp and some type of temerature controller. I found that it was essentially impossible to achieve a correct reflow temperature curve, with the result that many boards simply were burnt when they came out (really burnt, like black...).Currently, I simply hand-solder my prototype boards and have my factory reflow larger orders. I suppose, if one has, say, 10 boards that need to be assembled, a DIY approach with a toaster may work.I sold my reflow oven and has not missed it since...

author: engineertype
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 05, 2014, 10:35:23 pm
content: John, you probably had the T962 oven. So many reports of problems with these ovens! The issue is that they have infrared elements directly over the boards being reflowed. Heat absorption is based on color, with black components getting the most heat. The J-STD-20 standard for reflowing boards states that infrared can be used to hear the air but mustnotheat the components. The other issue with elements above the boards is that large components (CPU, GPU etc.) are essentially shading the board underneath. It isn't too surprising that your boards burnt.I get great results with a modified toaster ovenBy the way, I took a long look at your USB analyzer on Kickstarter. I didn't back you since I don't work with USB much but thought you had done a great job with the product.