[Elecraft] SMT project

[John R. Lonigro]

Vic:
While I was at Ozarkcon 2006 in April, I saw a demo of SMT soldering 
using a toaster oven.  For a tutorial, go to www.qrpradio.com and click 
on "projects" and then "SMT oven soldering".  At Ozarkcon, Cecil 
(KD5NWA) soldered all the resistors onto the NORCAL QRP dummy load board 
(both sides) in one 5 minute operation.  And he slowed down the process 
for the sake of the demo.  You can also solder the resistors using a 
Hobby Lobby Embossing Gun, but he didn't demo that technique.  The 
finished board looked like it had been done at the factory.  Of course, 
if  you want the joys of soldering each resistor in place, then you 
don't want to look into this process.  Regardless, it is very 
interesting reading.  I was highly impressed.  The downside is once you 
use a toaster oven for soldering, you don't want to use it for cooking 
food anymore.  The embossing gun might be a better (and cheaper) choice 
for occasional SMT soldering, but if you get it too close to the board, 
it could start blowing SMT parts all over.  Now that could be fun.

(No financial interest in Hobby Lobby.)

73's,

John AA0VE

michael taylor wrote:

> On 6/10/06, Vic K2VCO <vic at rakefet.com> wrote:
>
>> Can someone suggest a kit using SMT components that would be a good
>> learning experience for someone wanting to learn SMT techniques?  I
>> would prefer something useful like test equipment rather than YACQR (Yet
>> Another Cute QRP Radio) of which I have several!
>