[Elecraft] Full kits,

[Bill Frantz]

tl:dr I like to build things. Getting all the components 
assembled in a kit is a wonderful step forward toward the fun part.


I have built several kits with SMD components using just a 
temperature controlled soldering station. I think I could get by 
with a cheap Radio Shack soldering iron, but I certainly don't 
want to. (I like automatic spark advance in my car as well.)

The basic approach is to tin the pads on the board with solder 
and clean things up so there are no bridges. Solder one 
end/corner of the device and adjust it so it lines up with all 
pads. Then go and solder the rest of the pads. This technique 
works well with 8 pin devices. I would be in unknown territory 
soldering a 400 pin grid array device. :-)

I bought a hot air rework device from SparkFun 
<https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10706> for $115 which I use 
when I have to remove a SMD component. The video on the page is 
a good introduction to removing SMD components.

I will note in passing that the mantle of electronic 
construction has moved from the ham community to the builder 
community. Their suppliers are now the best place to learn how 
to deal with modern electronic components.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 2/13/17 at 9:57 AM, gthornton at thorntonmostullaw.com (George 
Thornton) wrote:

>To work with miniaturized surface mount components you need 
>specialized equipment and specialized skills.

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