Build directions
Tools
I have two soldering irons, one regular 50 Watts Weller (older model) but similar as WS-51, with a small tip plus a small cute SMD iron, Weller WS-81 with 80 watts of power. This sodering has a very small tip. I use regular 60/40 tin, diam. 0.7 mm. I don't use any solder paste but it's possible. I have also a good pair of tweezers (picture will come), especially made for SMD parts.
Weller WS-51, 50 Watts, soldering station, general purpose. Photo borrowed from ELFA.
Weller WS-81, 80 Watts, soldering station, SMD usage. Photo borrowed from ELFA.
Those soldering stations are for professional use and are also (therefore) expensive but you must have two things: Small tip and adjustable temperature. If you can borrow and second soldering iron, it's very practical when you shall solder 0805 parts, like resistors and capacitors.
Click on the picture to get a larger view.
Click on the picture to get a larger view.
This is a good model of you want a powerful tweezer but for holding SMD parts the model below is better.
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Click on the picture to get a larger view.
This is a really nice pair of tweezer. Perfect for handling small SMD parts.
....more to come.....
I have taken photos of two basic configurations. Capacitors are removed so you can see the small parts more clearly.
Configuration +14 volt, AD797, pre-regulator
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Click on the pictures to get a larger view.
Configuration -14 volt, AD825, pre-regulator
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Click on the pictures to get a larger view.