[time-nuts] OT stuffing boards: was GPS interface/prototyping

[Dave M]

Take a look at the oven at http://whizoo.com/buy . They sell several kits as 
well as a complete kit to modify a toaster oven, and a ready-to-go oven for 
$699, shipping included.  According to the web site, it uses a B&D model 
T01303SB toaster oven, capable of handling an 8"x10.5" board.
The oven and controller, as shipped, is calibrated for lead-free solder, but 
if requested, he can recalibrate for any solder paste, so long as you 
provide the manufacturer's reflow requirements.
The controller firmware is open source.

ControLeo2 specifications and features
  a.. ATmega32u4 microcontroller with Arduino Leonardo boot loader
    a.. 32Kb Flash memory
    b.. 2.5Kb SRAM
    c.. 1Kb EEPROM
  b.. LCD display - 2 lines x 16 characters.
  c.. 4 relay outputs - relays are connected using screw terminals or the 
6-pin relay header (4 outputs, +5V, GND). The outputs provide up to 220mA at 
5V. The outputs support connections to solid-state relays (SSRs) or 
mechanical relays
  d.. Buzzer - 80db at 10cm
  e.. 2 momentary switches - for user input.
  f.. ABS plastic case - custom fit, flame-retardant (UL94-5VA)
  g.. MAX31855KASA thermocouple - capable of reading temperatures 
from -200°C to 1350°C using a k-type thermocouple.
  h.. Input voltage: 5V (USB or screw terminals) - For reliability and 
longevity, the screw terminals should be used to power ControLeo2. For 
solid-state relays, the 500mA provided by USB is sufficient to power 
ControLeo2 and the relays. For mechanical relays please use a 1000mA 5V 
power supply connected to the screw terminals.
  i.. Pre-loaded software - Reflow Wizard
Looks like a pretty decent project.  I've no connection with the seller... I 
found this project after getting intrested in this thread.

Cheers,
Dave M


Chris Albertson wrote:
>> Am I missing some obvious cheapie oven without these types of
>> problems?
>
>
> A lot of people are building them from Black and Decker (and the like)
> toaster ovens.  Use Arduino for controller or just eyeballs. oven
> thermometer and wrist watch.    It is not rocket science the Arduino
> controller software reads a thermocouple and controls an on/off relay.
> Lots of instructions around if you google for reflow toaster oven.
>
> As for pick and place, the old method still works.  Work by hand under
> a low power stereo microscope.  You buy a syringe of solder past and
> place little dabs on each pad then place the part with twitters.
> Many years ago I worked at a place that had a few dozen women who did
> this all day long.   You can get a very good used microscope (5x to
> 20x zoom works well) for under $250 and a workable one for under $100.
> But many people today are using cameras and a big computer monitor in
> place of the microscope.