HI,
A little bit off topic, but I was wondering - how did you get the pcb to be pre-tinned ?
It made the assembly much much easier. (I can not solder for toffee, even after reading guides, buying soldering irons etc).
Regards,
Brendan
Partly Off Topic: Pre-tinned PCB
Re: Partly Off Topic: Pre-tinned PCB
Hi Brendan!
When I order the PCBs, I specify that lead-free solder should be applied to all exposed pads. The manufacturer applies the solder with what is called a hot air solder leveling (HASL) process. You can see a video of this process here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqaZmPQ06B0
This improves solderability (as you noticed) and also extends the shelf-life of the boards. There are a few other finish options (such as gold plating), but this one is my favorite.
When I order the PCBs, I specify that lead-free solder should be applied to all exposed pads. The manufacturer applies the solder with what is called a hot air solder leveling (HASL) process. You can see a video of this process here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqaZmPQ06B0
This improves solderability (as you noticed) and also extends the shelf-life of the boards. There are a few other finish options (such as gold plating), but this one is my favorite.
Jeff Keyzer
http://mightyohm.com
http://mightyohm.com
Re: Partly Off Topic: Pre-tinned PCB
Thanks, I know what to ask for on my next batch of PCB!
Learnt something today.
Regards,
Brendan
Learnt something today.
Regards,
Brendan