SMT prototyping/DIY reflow ovens

[rsocor01]

Initially, I used temperature strips and a thermocouple but now just wing it as the manual methods seem adequate.

I think that using a non-contact infrared thermometer is the best way to control the temperature. Of course this is true if you don't want to spend thousands of dollars in a professional reflow oven. I bought this thermometer from Home Depot for under $30, and it works great!

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

You aim the laser at the boards that you are "cooking" and it will tell you the temperature either in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius. You can even see the difference in temperature at any given time between a metallic part in your board and a PCB non-metallic section in your board.

Robert

[kukata86]

http://www.kukata86.com/en/what-is-r...ven-controller