[hpsdr] Atlas, How do I hand solder this thing?

[John B. Stephensen]

SMT soldering can be done fairly easily with magnifiers. Techni-Tool (https://webvia.techni-tool.com/VIA/index.jsp) and Stanley Supply and Services (http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/) carry magnifiers. A 5X eye loupe or a loupe that mounts to glasses frames works well for general soldering. 10X has a lot of distortion, but is useful for looking for hairline shorts. 

If you'e going to solder QFPs, 0.8-mm lead spacing parts are trivial and 0.65-mm parts are relatively easy with magnifiers. 0.5-mm lead spacing parts can just be done with these magnifiers. If you are going to solder a lot of 0.5-mm QFPs, a small microscope is a good investment. Luxo makes a 5-10-20X microscope (model 1855LG) mounted on an adjstable arm that is easy to position over workbench. The advantage of a microscope over a magnifier is that the working distance is longer (10" instead of 2" for 5X).

If you live in a large city, it's also possible to get glasses with built-in telescopes (see http://www.eschenbach.com/) through an optometrist that specializes in low-vision patients. An opthalmologist would know who to contact.

You probably have better eyesight than I do. Since I've had eye surgery for a detached retina, cataracts and glaucoma, I could be overstating the problem. 

73,

John
KD6OZH
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Mark Ericksen 
  To: hpsdr at hpsdr.org 
  Sent: Sunday, June 18, 2006 16:01 UTC
  Subject: [hpsdr] Atlas, How do I hand solder this thing?


  ***** High Performance Software Defined Radio Discussion List *****




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  I need help.  I have two Atlas boards coming, and I have never soldered surface mount in my life.  I have performed a lot of soldering over the years, but not surface mount.  Are there links to sights that show the proper way to solder these boards as they are constructed (gold pads)?  Keep in mind I am 54 years old and the eyes are failing.  This question may have been answered before, and if that is the case I apologize in advance.

  Eric Ellison, I want you to know how much I appreciate your efforts in distributing these boards as well as boards from prior projects.  You helped me out on a Delta 44 interface card a while back, and you went out of your way to do it.  You have a tremendous commitment to the hobby as well as a commitment to helping others and I thank you.

  Mark Ericksen
  AD4MA


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