Homebrew PCBs

I just got the Aoyue 968 about 2 weeks ago.  I don't have any experience with other units to 
compare to.  I am currently assembling my 995x board which has several several QFN 
package IC's, some ssop packages with .65 mm pin spacing, and an AD9954 with .5mm 
spacing.
  I used the temperature controlled soldering iron for most of it.  I bought the smallest tip they 
offered.  It is small enough I can solder individual pins on the 9954 under a microscope.  It is 
the first temp. controlled iron I've used and is very nice.
  I also ordered the vacuum pick-up attachment.  I tried it, but found that it would not release 
the part when I uncovered the hole on the side.  I had to knock the part off of the tool or turn 
off the vacuum.  This makes it pretty much useless for placing parts on the board.
  I used the hot air and solder paste on a smd oscillator and a QFN device.  With the air set at 
250 deg. C and the air flow just above minimum, it had no trouble melting the soldering 
paste.

Dave - WB6DHW
<http://wb6dhw.com>




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