[time-nuts] Working with SMT parts.

Brooke Clarke brooke at pacific.net
Thu Aug 11 14:57:24 EDT 2016


Hi Bob:

I don't think it's so much the stereo microscope as the related equipment.  I have a Bausch & Lomb StereoZoom 4  and the 
dial is always at the lowest setting (0.7dial * 10X objective = 7 power).
For another reason I got a Nikon SMZ-U microscope and discovered that it's so tall that it can not be used for SMT work.
http://www.prc68.com/I/NikonSMZ-U.html
So an important parameter is is length from the eyepiece to the objective.  If that get to be long then you can not 
easily use it.

Using an arm type support is very desirable.  These have a heavy metal base with an horizontal arm.  You can swing the 
arm over whatever you're working one and easily move the scope up or down as needed.
This all done while in a standard chair on a work bench/table.

Although an old fashioned illuminator will work, see top photo:
http://www.prc68.com/I/SMT.shtml#Mag
A ring light is much more convenient (scroll down a little).

Also the soldering iron tip to grip distance should be as short as you can get.  (1.5" = burned fingers, 0.5" should be 
better)

-- 
Have Fun,

Brooke Clarke
http://www.PRC68.com
http://www.end2partygovernment.com/2012Issues.html
The lesser of evils is still evil.

-------- Original Message --------
> What are the important parameters regarding purchase of a stereo microscope?  I see some on ebay for around $50; are those good?
> Bob
>   
>
>      On Thursday, August 11, 2016 10:00 AM, Didier Juges <shalimr9 at gmail.com> wrote:
>   
>
>   I concur. I have been using ExpressPCB extensively over the last 2 years
> with great satisfaction now that it is possible to get Gerber files from
> them.
> I typically use the mini board pro service (3 bare boards, 2 sided with
> solder mask and silk screen) for prototypes and then buy the Gerbers to
> have production quantities done overseas.
> The boards are of high quality and the service is very fast at a very
> reasonable price.
> The only gotcha with regard to Gerber files is that you can only buy
> Gerbers for boards that you have actually bought from them, so the process
> is to buy the prototypes, then if you are happy with those, buy the Gerbers
> for that design.
>
> Didier KO4BB
>
> On Tue, Aug 9, 2016 at 3:06 PM, Brooke Clarke <brooke at pacific.net> wrote:
>
>> Hi:
>>
>> I've had good luck using any of the the ExpressPCB services that include
>> solder mask with surface mount parts where the pitch is 0.05" (half normal
>> DIP) and hand soldering (requires stereo microscope).
>> http://www.prc68.com/I/BTSG.shtml (battery top signal generator)
>> http://www.prc68.com/I/Images/ICS525v1o.jpg
>>
>> http://www.prc68.com/I/SMT.shtml <http://www.prc68.com/I/SMT.shtml>
>>
>> --
>> Have Fun,
>>
>> Brooke Clarke
>> http://www.PRC68.com
>> http://www.end2partygovernment.com/2012Issues.html
>> The lesser of evils is still evil.
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts at febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/m
>> ailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts at febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
>
>    
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts at febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>



More information about the time-nuts mailing list