I have had some success at do-it-myself SMT board reflow soldering. For components like capacitors, resistors, LEDs etc, I have confined myself to the larger 1206 size. I have recently had some luck with using SOIC packages. I have a syringe of paste solder and some fairly small bore tips and can usually get the solder on the pads in a manner that gives acceptable results. I had to struggle to do the SOICs tho. I would also like to use a 44-pin TQFP in a future design.

I need to find a better way to place ths paste on the SOIC and TQFP pads and to place the component on the pads. I had a thought that it might be possible to glue the component on the board with a drop of some sort of adhesive. Aligning the device pads to the board pad is difficult and if someone has a suggestion, I would appreciate hearing it. In fact, I would like to hear any suggestions for using SMT components in home-brew projects. I have considered using a magnifing TV system to help me to better see what I am doing, but these are quite expensive. Anyone home-brew one of these? I would like to find one of those vacuum pickup devices (what is the official name?) to help position components. I am currently using twezzers.  Anyone home-brew one of these?  I am aware of Toaster Oven reflow devices. In fact, I use the Spark Fun idea of a Electric Fry Pan for my reflowing. I am happy with the results. 

Any enlightenment will  be appreciated.

Vic

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Victor Fraenckel - The Windman         
victorf ATSIGN windreader DOT com
KC2GUI                                                  

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