PCB Starter Kit/Tools

tedimc

I've dabbled a little before with soldering, etc - but I've a project now where I need to build my own PCB. Nothing complex, I've a SOIC8 chip that I need to connect into a 1 wire system bus for home automation.

Has anyone any recommendations for decent PCB starter kits, which have boards, flux, wire terminals, etc.

Also, anyone any suggestions for starter hot air solder kits?

DublinDilbert

You don't need too much to work with an SOIC package.

You can buy a carrier PCB that will convert SOIC8 (0.05" pitch) to a DIL8 (0.1" pitch) package.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-5pcs-SOP8-SO8-SOIC8-TO-DIP8-adapter-pcb-conveter-board-/180952961067

Then this PCB can be put into a socket on a vero board.
http://ie.farnell.com/vero/01-0021/veroboard-pcb-121-92mm-x-101-6mm/dp/1536938


I have used the adapter boards, they work fine. But I prefer to do is solder the soic8 directly onto the veroboard. As the pitch is exactly 1/2 you need to split 2 of the vero board traces with a knife and solder the soic 8 on.


Get a soldering iron with a small tip, solder flux, solder sucker, solder wick.

tedimc

Thanks DublinDilbert - just to clarify; are you saying you prefer to solder the chip directly to the veroboard?

I presume place the chip perpendicular to the traces so that each pair of legs lines up with a trace? Then obviously cut the trace so each leg doesn't short?

DublinDilbert

tedimc wrote: »

Thanks DublinDilbert - just to clarify; are you saying you prefer to solder the chip directly to the veroboard?

I presume place the chip perpendicular to the traces so that each pair of legs lines up with a trace? Then obviously cut the trace so each leg doesn't short?

Something like this http://www.beesnotincluded.com/2009/06/surface-mount-soldering-onto-stripboard.html?m=1

M.T.D

For cutting the tracks. Use a 1/4" bit, reasonably sharp, rolled between your fingers, this will cut the tracks cleanly. Just place the bit in an existing hole and turn.

eeguy

DublinDilbert wrote: »

Something like this http://www.beesnotincluded.com/2009/06/surface-mount-soldering-onto-stripboard.html?m=1

My god that's ugly...

eeguy

tedimc wrote: »

Has anyone any recommendations for decent PCB starter kits, which have boards, flux, wire terminals, etc.

Maplins sell pcb kits but they're universally awful.
PCB making takes time and many failed attempts to get right.

If you're starting out then it's a good idea to reduce the amount of faults that can occur.
At the moment you can have faults in your design, components and soldering. No sense adding more.

Also, anyone any suggestions for starter hot air solder kits?

A decent temperature controlled soldering iron would suit better than hot air.
Farnell sell a Tenma soldering iron for about 6
50 euro, it's the same as a 100 euro Maplins iron
Hot air is more commonly used to remove components as you can desolder all the pins in one go.