Vincent Trouilliez wrote: > On Fri, 6 Feb 2009 06:13:00 +0100 (MET) > [email protected] (Joerg Wunsch) wrote: > > >> Careful: that's /not/ called ATmega1284 but ATmega1284P. You should >> have learned now that these letters might make a difference... >> > > Oops sorry, yes I meant 'P ;-) > > >> Curious, why are you limited to DIP packages? I find them >> unpractically large. >> > > That's why : > > http://freudhoefer.de/File_Share/Vince/PICT0002.JPG > > It's a hobby/amateur project, so I use a prototype board to develop the > hardware, so I am limited to through-hole technology, meaning DIP > packages for everything. I don't have the soldering equipment for > surface mount components, and with my big fat fingers I probably > wouldn't be succesful with it anyhow ! ;-/ > Well, why not just give surface mount parts a try? I have clumsy trembling 50 year old fingers, and still I seem able to succeed with surface mount parts. They can be a really efficient use of your euros and give you great freedom with your projects because you can put surface mount parts on both sides of the circuit board. I use a Hakko 936 soldering station with small tips suitable for surface mount parts. In general it has worked well. I haven't yet converted a toaster oven to do reflow, but it is not that expensive and I must give it a try.
Yes I do fumble my parts and lose them. I buy at least a few spares because I know I will send that resistor or other chip on the floor. I look for the part briefly and if I can't find it I try again with the spare. That usually works. I brilliantly light up my work area. I admit I sometimes wonder if my 50 year old, nearsighted eyes can see some pins well enough to solder them. I use a 5 diopter, lighted magnifier to help things along. Bob Cochran Greenbelt, Maryland, USA _______________________________________________ AVR-chat mailing list [email protected] http://lists.nongnu.org/mailman/listinfo/avr-chat
