I try to restict the topside pads that need soldering to a minimum on my amateur-made non-plated-though boards. When it's required, I try to pick components and pads where (separate) topside solding isn't difficult, such as resistor leads as opposed to IC leads, and definately not leads that are underneath a package. Ideally, you can add vias (containing bare wire that you solder easilly on both sides before adding other components) in places of pads that expect connectivity on both sides. On the other hand, this is something of a pain, and results in board designs that are somewhat "weird" and cry out for redesign should they ever get sent to a professional board house... BillW -- http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.