[Elecraft] SMD-based kits

[John A. Ross[RSDTV]]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net 
> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of wayne burdick
> Sent: 19 April 2005 22:21
> To: Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: [Elecraft] SMD-based kits
> 
> snip <

> However, supporting SMD-based kits would be an absolute 
> nightmare. Many parts have cryptic labels, or none at all, 
> notably capacitors. Keeping track of parts as you build -- 
> which requires a lot of discipline -- is just the tip of the 
> iceberg. Imagine for a moment that you're an Elecraft 
> customer-service tech, confronted daily by kits with hundreds 
> of SMDS, many of which are installed in the wrong place, not 
> soldered correctly, damaged due to heating, etc. Problems 
> like this can be very painful to troubleshoot because of the 
> labeling problem. Already, Gary spends most of his time 
> finding and fixing problems with soldering and incorrect 
> component installation.

Wayne

You are right, misplaced, unmarked parts error tracing without a proper BON
tester and jig would be a serious pain.

But you could supply the kit with MLCC already fitted. Soldered or held by
glue dots for the customer to solder to avoid this very issue.

There is not that many other parts that would be unmarked if minimum size
was kept to 0805, could even stay with 1206 as these are quite close to the
pitch of R's used already.

Would be good for the option kits, possibly front panel & controller board
at least as the available space is at a premium.

> That said, looking into my crystal ball I can see a time when 
> home pick-'n'-place machines with AI-enabled vision systems 
> become commonplace....

With the amount of reasonably cheap premade XY tables/linear guides and PC
axis controllers around (some in kit form!) all that's needed is some will
power, a Z axis solution and some double sided sticky tape to hold down the
SMT parts for picking!

Still leaves the best xI around, the human eye & brain to do the inspection
job though.........

Of course with the state of electronics manufacturing today, if your garage
is big enough, I have seen small footprint SMT placers go for next to
nothing at auction.

John

(Serious lover of all things SMT... :-)   )


> 
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
> 
> 
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