[time-nuts] Working with SMT parts.

Graham / KE9H ke9h.graham at gmail.com
Thu Aug 11 21:06:04 UTC 2016


The best type of stereo microscope to use for SMT assembly is referred to
as an "Inspection Microscope."
Magnification greater than 10 is not needed or desirable for normal
assembly.
Something in the range of 5 to 10 works well.
A wide field of view and a good light source are desirable.

Just as Brooke says, my "zoom" always stays on the lowest setting. (Same as
his, 0.7 times 10x = 7)

--- Graham

==

On Thu, Aug 11, 2016 at 1:57 PM, Brooke Clarke <brooke at pacific.net> wrote:

> 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.
>>>
>>>
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