Rolf wrote: > Hi all. > [snip ....] > > Thanks in advance for any insights, criticisms, suggestions. > > Any links to dealing with SMT components would be appreciated too. > > Rolf > Thanks all for the huge response. It seems that I can, at least for the first few boards, forge ahead with SM Components. I think then that I have what I need for the immediate future (apart from the actual components), and I can get by with my existing soldering iron, and desk magnifier. Those N/C Tweezers sound like a good practical, and cheap investment. I am reluctant to spend too much money before I have tried it a few ways with what I already have first, as I would then be able to prioritize my "investment strategy" more efficiently. Based on the responses so far, it seems I am going to be lucky enough to be able to spend nothing immediately, and, depending on how I do, I can consider a purpose-designed soldering/Hot-Air system. I may put a logic analyzer on the wish-list first though. Regardless, I am still very interested in reading more responses, I just wanted to acknowledge the responses so far. On a (very) slightly different note.... Solder paste, I have not used it before, so I would like to understand how it works better. Looking at digikey part KE1507-ND . Kester Solder Paste - NO CLEAN 63/37 35GM at $53Canadian. Am I correct with the understanding that: 1. One simply applies it to each of the pads 2. It is tacky, so the SM Part will "stick" to it. 3. You can "touch" each pin with the soldering iron (or with Hot Air if you have the tool). 4. Get next part.... 5. Go to 1. This seems to be fairly easy to manage, and relatively "clean". At $53 it is on the border-line of an investment, but it may well be worth it... The instructions for it indicate that it should be stored in the fridge. Thus, I am concerned that it may be overkill, yet at the same time, it may be a great way to do things.... ... but, it also may "go off" long before I could use even a fraction of the tube. I imagine that If I solder a square-foot of board this year I will have done a lot... Maybe I should just stick with regular solder. Thanks for any comments. Rolf -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist