[time-nuts] Working with SMT parts.

[Bob Bownes]

I've got a great boom Zeiss microscope bought at an estate sale. Right
Place, Right Time.

Before that, I generally used a video camera with some extension tubes, a
USB video capture dongle, and a spare monitor I keep on the workbench. The
monitor and camera are connected with extension cables to the computer
across the room. (ok, 180degree chair swivel way :) )
Getting the lighting right is key. Light ring is good or light close to on
axis helps.

Bob


On Thu, Aug 11, 2016 at 5:06 PM, Graham / KE9H <ke9h.graham at gmail.com>
wrote:

> 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.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> 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/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/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/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.
>