Quote Originally Posted by Bruce View Post
These RF parts need x amount of clearance from board components, so we had to go with 0402 to squeeze everything into a keyfob enclosure on a board 1/3 the size of a credit card. The CR2032 battery holder & UHF antenna sucked-up 50% of the
board space.

The board photo looks big, but it's definitely not.
You don't need to sell me on the NEED for small precisely placed components! I understand why small SMD parts are desirable.

Now I'm interested in good tools and techniques to make SMD more accessible for us mere mortals.
I wanna know how us wannabees can do it most efficiently, without a HUGE expense.


We do all SMD placement under a lab microscope,
Excellent! Does your microscope have a model number? Are there things you particularly like or dislike about it? Is it... horribly expensive?
These are the kind of tools I seek, but it's nice to have good reviews from folks who actually USE them, rather than blindly whipping out the credit card.

I love SMD components! But they can definitely push the limits of my eyesight and dexterity, so I'm in search of good tools and techniques to make things easier.


steve