Comments for Dangerous Prototypes

Comment on MMA7455L soldering explained by Michal

Michal — Thu, 17 May 2012 06:46:11 +0000

erdabyz: +1 on the leadless chips.

If you have patience you can apply right amount of paste just using some toothpick. Takes some practice. Stencil makes things simpler, but it is not necessary for single prototype.

Comment on MMA7455L soldering explained by Sleepwalker3

Sleepwalker3 — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:58:22 +0000

The problem is getting the right amount of paste if doing it by hand. If using a stencil then obviously it’s easier, but just applying with a syringe of a toothpick it’s a lot harder than it seems to get a consistent amount and not over-do it or under-do it. A proper metering pump setup would make it more consistent, but for most it is just not worth the $. This method does work and it’s not difficult.

Comment on WORKSHOP VIDEO: Flux-off part 2, more flux reviews by James

James — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:08:37 +0000

I just read the datasheets on the flux markers from the other video, which is “RMA” type flux which is only partially active which is why cleaning is optional.

Comment on HOW-TO: Visit Bay Area Maker Faire by Randy

Randy — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:28:47 +0000

I don’t think you can do the $25 data on a $2 Go Phone plan anymore, just the monthly plans. Take a look at T-Mobile as an alternative – $2 / day gets you unlimited 2G data, $3 / day gets you 200 MB / day of “4G” data, unlimited 2G data after that.

Comment on HOW-TO: Visit Bay Area Maker Faire by macegr

macegr — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:12:51 +0000

Train is still a very good option…Hillsdale Caltrain station is less than 3/4 mile, 15 minute walk to Maker Faire. Hayward Park Caltrain is slightly closer, but it doesn’t stop there as often. I’d totally use the train to Maker Faire if I didn’t live 4 miles from the fairgrounds :)

Comment on MMA7455L soldering explained by erdabyz

erdabyz — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:17:42 +0000

Seriously guys, you SHOULD get some quality soldering paste. In fact I’m thinking about adding a syringe to my next digikey order and sending it to Ian or something, so you finally start soldering this thingies the proper way. I won’t get tired of promoting its usage.

Soldering leadless chips is actually MUCH easier than soldering leaded chips (as long as they’re not BGA’s which play in a different league).

You just need some paste!

Comment on MMA7455L soldering explained by Perry Harrington

Perry Harrington — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:53:01 +0000

Inappropriate comment.

Comment on MMA7455L soldering explained by Perry Harrington

Perry Harrington — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:52:45 +0000

Looks like another anecdote to post in the forum about bad boards.

Comment on Schmartboard giveaway by JBeale

JBeale — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:58:28 +0000

sounds interesting, but does this board exist yet? Could not find a photo anywhere on their site, although I did find the thread in their forum asking for suggestions on what features it should have.

Comment on MMA7455L soldering explained by Alexandre 'Tabajara' Souza

Alexandre 'Tabajara' Souza — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:36:16 +0000

“African” method of short removing? :D