A lot of new hardware is only available in SMT packages anymore; so you
might as well give it a go.  It's actually easier to PCB-prototype with SMT
in a lot of cases -- less drilling.  Some have asked for pictures I
mentioned on the "First PCB" thread; here they are --no website on this port
yet...  These are a few pictures showing a board made with the toner
transfer method.  The xilinx part is a 100 tqfp.  Not too scary if you use
lots of flux.  Its about at the limit of what my shaky hands can manage.  I
need to figure out the toaster oven+solderpaste technique...

http://wheedal.dyndns.org:8255

I'll get an actual write up of the process as I get some other projects out
of the way.
-Dal

(BTW, don't mind the goofy footprints on a couple of components --this was
just a quick and dirty board.)

----- Original Message -----
From: "T.C. Phelps" <tcphelps@YAHOO.COM>

> > I like to avoid SMT when possible.  I'm doing this
> > all by hand, and I'd like to not have to send it out
>
> > if possible.
>
> SMT by hand is not too bad, if you stick with the
> right packages (SOT23, SOT23-5, SOWB, etc -- none of
> the _really_ teeny packages,no BGA, etc). I used to
> swear by through hole but I took a new job where I
> have to do SMT by hand for prototypes and it gets
> easier pretty quickly -- I'd go the SMT route for home
> projects now too. Of course, for those 0805 resistors
> & caps you need a magnifying glass or something if you
> want to save your eyes!

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