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Soldering
Posted: September 17th, 2024, 1:01 pm
by SoundMods
I stumbled on this video about soldering. To say that it was an epiphany is a gross understatement.
Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3Ny3j5nH0U
Watch it and learn -- I learned facts that I didn't know that I didn't know.
COOL! 
Re: Soldering
Posted: September 17th, 2024, 4:45 pm
by tomp
This is quite good, especially the things you don't want to do. Years ago when working with surface mount devices I got a reflow workstation with various hot air tips and a suction device to place the chips. They have since discontinued the model I have but there are others if you want to work with surface mount devices.
https://www.circuitspecialists.com/bk4050
Re: Soldering
Posted: September 18th, 2024, 11:05 am
by Pelliott321
Thank Walt for the great vid on soldering.
I enjoy the challenge of surface mount soldering. It took me a while to learn. The key is to have a big clean area and have no time constraints, good lighting and a good magnifying glass.
Re: Soldering
Posted: September 18th, 2024, 11:39 am
by SoundMods
Pelliott321 wrote:Thank Walt for the great vid on soldering.
I enjoy the challenge of surface mount soldering. It took me a while to learn. The key is to have a big clean area and have no time constraints, good lighting and a good magnifying glass.
Right now -- unless I have a major need to tackle SMD devices -- it's just not in my "wheelhouse." It definitely intimidates me.
Re: Soldering
Posted: September 18th, 2024, 11:44 am
by tomp
I try to avoid SMDs as much as I can but there are a few devices that are only available that way. Every day more are going in that directions. Here is one that I have used that only comes as an SMD.
Re: Soldering
Posted: September 18th, 2024, 12:46 pm
by SoundMods
tomp wrote: Every day more are going in that directions. Here is one that I have used that only comes as an SMD.
As a die-hard modifier the industry is raining on my parade with multi-layer PC boards and SMD devices. 
Re: Soldering
Posted: September 18th, 2024, 1:07 pm
by Roscoe Primrose
SoundMods wrote:tomp wrote: Every day more are going in that directions. Here is one that I have used that only comes as an SMD.
As a die-hard modifier the industry is raining on my parade with multi-layer PC boards and SMD devices.
It’s even worse in ham radio. The vendors who sell kits can’t even get a lot of the parts in through hole versions anymore.
Re: Soldering
Posted: September 18th, 2024, 1:35 pm
by SoundMods
Roscoe Primrose wrote:SoundMods wrote:tomp wrote: Every day more are going in that directions. Here is one that I have used that only comes as an SMD.
As a die-hard modifier the industry is raining on my parade with multi-layer PC boards and SMD devices.
It’s even worse in ham radio. The vendors who sell kits can’t even get a lot of the parts in through hole versions anymore.
Through-hole passive parts are plentiful. Active parts? -- that may be a different story. If it was me -- I'd rather restore old iron rather than take chances on the newer stuff.
I am getting tired of "value engineering." Translation? "CHEAP!"
Re: Soldering
Posted: September 18th, 2024, 2:19 pm
by tomp
It's a tough decision. The older active parts are going away but some of the new ones are amazing. I don't think value is the driver, but rather size. Everyone wants things smaller which is what got the whole movement to ICs started in the beginning.
Re: Soldering
Posted: September 18th, 2024, 2:32 pm
by tomp
Here is an example of the size consideration I mentioned. Looking at the photo where the two ribbon cables separate, if you look carefully on the board you will see one of the chips which is a complete RMS to DC converter with tons more processing power to one of the 24 pin DIPs that are quad comparators and the difference will be apparent. This is an older speaker protection circuit I did.