You guys are killing me with this gloomy talk about SMDs. Just last night ...
Tony, I recently assembled a NUE-PSK modem. It is pretty much all SMD. It wasn't all that bad to build. I'm 55 years old so my eyes aren't what they used to be. I didn't need any 'exotic' tools, just one of those illuminated headgear type magnifiers, an illuminated 20X loupe (got that sweet baby at American Science & Surplus) and a temperature controlled soldering iron -- I have some off brand that I got at Fry's. Search youtube for some videos on how to solder SMD's. The trick is the rosin; it is kind of sticky. You glop up the board with that, stick the part on there. Verify with the loupe. Then ... here's the odd thing: put the solder on the iron then touch the iron on the part's pin/leg whatever. Works like a champ. The videos show you how to fix things like bridging solder where you don't need it. I read some QST article (I think) about how to convert a toaster oven to do mass soldering of SMD parts but that seems like overkill, especially if you're only building one board. Good Luck and 73, Ken K9LEA KX1 & K1 ... so far ________________________________ This electronic message contains information from ACTIV Financial Systems, Inc. which may be privileged or confidential. The information is intended to be for the use of the individual(s) or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this information is prohibited. If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify us by telephone or email (to the numbers or address above) immediately. Internet communications are not secure and therefore ACTIV does not accept any legal responsibility for the contents of this message. Although ACTIV operates anti-virus programs, it does not accept responsibility for any damage whatsoever that is caused by viruses that may be passed. ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html