AVR-Chat

> One alternative already suggested is an adapter such as a "surfboard" 
> or similar.  The problem is tha amount of square inches required for 
> the conversion from smt to 0.1 spacing pins.  All those pins take up a 
> huge amount of space!!!!
> 
> I just do not see how I can reliably solder all those tiny SMT 
> connexions.  I would have to use my loupes for sure.  ALso a new iron 
> with the 1/64" tip....
> 

Tony,

Hand soldering a TQFP is dead simple...  as long as you have the knack.
Have a look at the app notes on the Metcal site for the mini-hoof tips & 
their use in drag soldering. Pace may also have an app note for their 
'mini-wave' tip series. Googling 'drag solder' brings up a squillion hits.

Once you have an idea of the drag soldering technique as used with blade 
& concave tips you will find it quite easy to work with these packages. 
It will take a little practice but you can get this by removing and 
refitting packages on old computer cards. Pull them off with a paint 
stripper gun & then clean up & refit them with your drag technique. 
Using controlled heat it is quite possible to do this cycle > 20 times 
on an FR4 PCB without lifting tracks.

There are a number of concave tips available for common brands of iron 
these days. There was a video of the process on the net ages ago but I 
don't know where ( too much red is bad for the head Ned! )

Key things are:
1. Good heat control
2. Tons of flux
3. Good vision - use bino glasses or even better a cheap stereo microscope

It is much faster to fit a TQFP than it is to hand solder a 64 pin 
adapter package using thru-hole.


Cheers

Don