[Elecraft] (OT) Baking PC boards in the toaster oven...

[Kevin Rock]

I know there was an article on Seattle Robotics Society's web page.  I'll 
see if I can find it.  Thanks for waiting.  Here is the URL  
http://www.seattlerobotics.org/encoder/200006/oven_art.htm   In robotics 
we need to worry about our power consumption and about weight on board the 
robot.  Much like QRP gear.  Surface mount devices are a great way to save 
on both.  They are also cheaper than through hole electronics.  Even 
though my eyes are getting old and far sighted is not a good thing (as 
well as an astigmatism that is blinding) I find I can work with surface 
mount devices with out much difficulty.  You need fairly steady hands and 
your normal size tip for soldering your Elecraft bits together.  I do use 
a cake tin to keep from chasing after parts and for static discharge.  As 
long as you stay away from coffee or Coke you're fine.  The toaster oven 
just makes it easier to build one sided surface mount boards.  Double 
sided boards get tricky because the parts keep melting off the down side ;)
    Hope this helps,
       Kevin.






On Mon, 25 Apr 2005 23:13:05 -0500 (CDT), Ron McDowell - W5RCM / ZS1MCD 
<w5rcm at volente.us> wrote:

> Somebody on here (I think) posted about using a toaster oven
> to melt solder on a SMD PC board... How long and how hot?  I imagine
> it must be 450+ (farenheit)  Thanks!
> --
> 72, Ron McDowell - W5RCM / ZS1MCD
> w5rcm at volente dot us
> Austin TX / Hermanus ZA


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