Hi All

I am not a homebrew kind of Guy, but I have decided to have a go at making an K9AY RX Loop controller.

I got a kit of parts from a suppliers in the States and here I am now.

There is about 15 small SMD chip capicators.

I have never soldered SMD before, Will I get away with a really small tip and holding them in place with something like what was posted here a few months back. and just soldering them as normal, or do I need paste and hot air and all that sort of stuff


Thanks
Trevor

You can do it with a fine tip, also get a flux pen as it helps the solder flow on the pad.

The Finningley guys seem to do OK with a good iron, small tip, flux pen and the hold down tool.

Cheers

Tony

I have an Antex XS25

Smallest tip I see for them is 0.5mm would that be ok,

Thanks
Trevor

A small amount of flux will help the solder flow and 'take' quickly.
I always tin a tiny patch of the copper where one end of the SMD will go and solder that end while holding down the component with tweezers. Once that end is held, I just solder the other end.
Make sure your iron is clean and hot.

Already a lot of good pointers been added here, I agree with Andy especially make sure iron tip is clean & hot enough, but not over hot for the smd parts, I tend to tin one pad on the board with just enough solder as to not cause the smd to be on too high an angle during melting or it will slide of centre, make sure to align it as best you can to sit the perfect distance between the solder pads or you may struggle to solder one end due to pad being covered by over hanging smd part, I also tend to add a drop of liquid flux to awkward pads to encourage solder flow. I tend to check with a continuity buzzer for proper fitment just for piece of mind, a very good illuminated magnifying lense is a must as well.