- Sun Jun 11, 2006 7:05 pm
#14416
Hi there,
I'm just getting to the point that I can hold my own with the circuit design and am trying to start making my own PCBs. I don't really know where else to look or who else to ask so any links or suggestios would be of great help.
I have etched a few boards (toner transfer methods) but drilling all the holes for the DIP and through-hole components is a nightmare and I'm going to lose the family fortune to replacing drill bits.
SO...I'd like to start using SMD devices to avoid the holes. I need all the regular components to get basic PIC circuits up and running. Are there any websites that sell "SMD for digital circuits start-up kits" of some sort?
I have found one for solder paste: http://www.smtsolderpaste.com
I would like to know what size of SMD components are the easiest to solder by hand (not using paste & reflowing). I'm not into it for the mass production...I'm just trying to avoid holes, save space and weight and be able to populate 2 sides of a board.
Also, if anyone knows of any other forums or spots where this has already been discussed, a link would be greatly appreciated.
I'm just getting to the point that I can hold my own with the circuit design and am trying to start making my own PCBs. I don't really know where else to look or who else to ask so any links or suggestios would be of great help.
I have etched a few boards (toner transfer methods) but drilling all the holes for the DIP and through-hole components is a nightmare and I'm going to lose the family fortune to replacing drill bits.
SO...I'd like to start using SMD devices to avoid the holes. I need all the regular components to get basic PIC circuits up and running. Are there any websites that sell "SMD for digital circuits start-up kits" of some sort?
I have found one for solder paste: http://www.smtsolderpaste.com
I would like to know what size of SMD components are the easiest to solder by hand (not using paste & reflowing). I'm not into it for the mass production...I'm just trying to avoid holes, save space and weight and be able to populate 2 sides of a board.
Also, if anyone knows of any other forums or spots where this has already been discussed, a link would be greatly appreciated.