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Tips for surface mount device (SMD) soldering

ntroduction

Surface mount soldering is an acquired skill necessary for any detailed repair work on most modern electronics, including theA600, A1200, CD32 and A4000(T) computers.

Like learning to ride a bicycle, you can't simply learn SMD soldering by reading a book. These guides are intended to helphe beginner, people who want to have a go, or even if you just want to see exactly what's involved.

t really isn't as difficult as most people make it out to be and with a bit of practise you'll soon become quite comfortableworking with surface mount technology.

Before attempting SMD soldering, it is essential to have moderately good hand soldering (conventional soldering) skills tobegin with. It is also necessary to develop SMD soldering skills using old/broken PCBs, as when learning, it's all too easy tooverheat PCBs (causing scorching, blistering and delamination) and pull off solder pads.

The main problem with SMD soldering is that you require some specialist tools, mainly a hot air or infra-red solderingrework) station. These are professional tools and cannot be bought from your typical hardware store. If you are seriouslyooking into a lot of SMD soldering, the tools can be bought from most professional electronics suppliers, such as Farnell andRadio Spares. Otherwise you may be able to access one through a friend, or shop around on one of the many auctionwebsites.Personally I'd recommend something like the Hakko 850.

t also helps to have good eyesight, or a good magnifying lens, such as those used by jewlers. Fortunately the surface mountechnology used on the classic Amigas is the old 1206 size, which is enormous by today's SMD 0603 and 0402 standards.Parts are fairly easily obtainable and their large size makes them very easy to work on.

This section is split up into three seperate guides as they contain a large quantity of images. The bandwidth from mywebserver is not huge, so download speed will be limited.Most images in the guides can be expanded by clicking on them.

Select a section to view:(arranged in order of easiest to more difficult)

Replacing a SOICHow to remove and replace a

Small Outline Integrated Circuit.

Replacing a SMD capacitorHow to remove and replacea SMD electrolytic capacitor.

Fitting a PLCC socketHow to fit a Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier

socket to hold an exsisting device.

have not included any guides for simple replacement of 1206 chip resistors and capacitors.Techniques similar to those in the SOIC soldering guide are used, so refer to this if necessary.

n general, most two pin devices like SMD resistors can usually be replaced using a conventional hand soldering iron, thoughhe job is usually quicker and tider using a SMD rework tool and solder paste.

7/28/2019 Tips for SMD-Soldering+Tools

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7/28/2019 Tips for SMD-Soldering+Tools

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Hakko 850 Hot Air Rework System

Adjustable air volume and temperature allowsreworking of QFPs and SOPs

Durable nozzles can be used for soldering anddesoldering, over and over.

Automatic cooling mode protects the heatingelement and handle when the power is turned off.

ESD safe by design

Part No. 850M-V12

Station

Power Consumption 20W (2W when power switch is "OFF")

Pump Diaphragm pumpCapacity 23 l/min. (MAX.)

Outer Dimensions 187(W) x 135(H) x 245(D) mm(7.36(W) x 5.31(H) x 9.64(D) in.)

Weight Approx. 4 kg (8.81 lbs.)

Handpiece

Power Consumption 260W

Hot Air Temperature 100C - 420C (212F- 788F)with A1126 nozzle

Length 196 mm (7.71 in.)Weight 120 g (0.26 lb.)

Available from all good professional electronics stockists.