Soldering

[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!

[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

[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.

[SoundMods]

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.

[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.

Attachments

LTC1967 RMS to DC converter.pdf

(323.01 KiB) Downloaded 506 times

[SoundMods]

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.

[Roscoe Primrose]

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.

[SoundMods]

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!"

[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.

[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.

Attachments