MakersBoxThis is my forth iteration of this project. I don't know why I punish myself.
The smaller LEDs are hard to tell the orientation. They are all packaged in the same orientation with the negative side (cathode) toward the side of the tape with holes in it. They all have a "whisker" wire that point to the positive side (right in the photos).
I must confess, I never even tried to hand solder the 0201 chips. I can do the 0402s by hand, but even with the thinnest of tips, I doubt you can get the 0201s to stick without cooking them. Prove me wrong.
Here is my first attempt with a solder mask and hot plate. I had to pull the LED off with the iron (it basically disappeared into the solder on the tip), and then remask it. Quite frankly I'm surprised it worked. At least I proved the circuit. Now I can move on to something less unfortunate.
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For tiny passives, I use arrays whenever I can. So instead of soldering down two 0201, I use a single 0302 array. One less part part to place, take up less space than 2 separate parts and easier to handle.
Most of the problems I have is hot air reflow blowing the parts across the room. I order 10-20% more passive just in case.
Instead of using paste I pre-tin the pads. The paste would help to stick the parts down, but I am too cheap. I do not want to store opened paste in the fridge next to my food either.
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I can remember the first project I made with SMD parts I used 0402s which was ridiculously small and I immediately jumped to 1206, then I moved to 0603 as my standard for about 5 years and only 2-3 years ago did I start making 0402-dominate boards. I still use 0603 for LEDs those as those 0402 LEDs really raise the price. I haven't tried 0201 parts yet because I didn't think they could be hand soldered with hot air without blowing away.. Perhaps I should try your challenge board :). Perhaps a kit?
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I would agree that 0603 is probably the best package for us poor humans to work with. Leave the rest to our robot overlords!
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Wow, that is tiny!
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that's
What
She
Said!
(Sorry, I just can't help myself )
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