> This brings up another question I have.  How to people (hobbyist)
prototype
> with surface mount parts?
>
> Regards,
> Donovan

I had the same trouble with CAN transceiver chips. Go to DigiKey and
type "surfboard" into the search box. Way too expensive for anything
more than a few one-off projects, but they work great for prototyping
and breadboarding small SMT parts.
More detailed descriptions are available at the manufacturers website:
http://www.capitaladvanced.com/

Good Luck,
Lyle

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