Build Your Own Clone Message Board

I figured I'd try my hand at a stepping stone to a full-on SMD layout. So I went with the classic CJOD circuit and used an SMD op amp and 1/8-watt resistors. It's 1.4" x 0.95" (and only one via!). Obviously it could be a lot smaller with all SMD parts, but I'm not quite ready for that yet. I'll let you guys know how it turns out.

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TightCamera - Gear Reviews

Have you tried SMD soldering at all yet?

Yeah, I wondering the same thing.

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I actually did an SMD Fuzz Face last year, but 3/4 of the way through soldering the board, I realized that I forgot to flip the layout image, so it turned out to be all kinds of wrong.

But the SMD soldering isn't too bad once you get the hang of it. The trick is to pre-tin one pad of each component before you put it on the board.

Also, don't lay out your components and then sneeze. I lost a bunch of caps that way.

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Function f(x)
TightCamera - Gear Reviews

I've found the hardest part of SMD work is what CJ alluded to - losing the damn components! Especially if they come to you in the little packages of plastic and paperboard. Be crazy careful getting them out, otherwise the paper and plastic backing work as a wonderful little slingshot. And since SMD caps usually aren't even labeled, even if you can find the little fockers you'll have to measure them all before install. When I did my first build, I was super careful while removing components from the packaging... and I still lost 4 items. Fortunately, there was room to replace the lost parts with thru-hole stuff I had on the bench... but my finished board really looked like crap!

+1 to CJ's tip to tin a pad first. I had the best luck heating the pads, tinning them, then sucking off the excess with braid. Yeah, it's putzy, but it makes it a heckuva lot easier to get the components to stick!

oh - and get some GOOD tweezers.

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I tried to mod an SMD pedal once.. I tried to desolder one cap.. the iron slipped and desoldered three more components in its' path. Within minutes, all four components were forever lost in my carpeting. Thankfully, it was only a $15 danelectro pedal.. or should I say a danelectro paperweight?

Well, good luck. You have more resolve than I do on this one. Layout looks nice tho!

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EricBarao.com | Facebook Artist Page

OTRFX Website | OTRFX on Facebook
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There's only one SMD part on the board, and that's the op amp. Otherwise, it'll be a normal build, if a little tighter than most.

That's why I thought it would be a good first project for anyone who wanted to try a little SMD, but not have to go the full measure.

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Function f(x)
TightCamera - Gear Reviews

Yeah, there is no way I could do it. I used to have to get this stuff done for school and I would just bring it to the technician. He was the master at SMD soldering. Like you guys said I had enough trouble finding the parts just to bring to him, haha.

you might find SMD working easier with a SMD workstation, I've got a pretty good one from china called the ATTEN 858D
very cheap too, it blows a jet of 450 degree air which flows the solder correctly so go check it out if you're getting into
surface mount. it's great for heatshrink tubing too! the temp regulator is spot on with about 2 degrees either side

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ATTEN-AT858D-858D ... 33678064c8

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My Vero Layouts Blog

The boards are here! Got one populated with all the parts, but no wiring yet.

Wow, this thing is small!!!! (and finally, that's something you want to hear )

The IC was a piece of cake to get soldered on the board. Just pre-tin the pads and use tweezers to hold it steady until the solder reflows onto the first couple pins. From there it's just reheating pads and letting it reflow.

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Function f(x)
TightCamera - Gear Reviews

Holy crap that is small...I want to try one. Very nice.

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Dog Is Blue - Toronto garage folk duo

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We could do that. I already have all the parts on hand, so I could throw together a few kits for folks who don't want to track down 1/8-watt resistors and the SMD op amp.

I don't imagine that a ton of people will be interested, but I'm sure a few will.

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TightCamera - Gear Reviews

Yes please!

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Dog Is Blue - Toronto garage folk duo

+1!! a kit would be awesome, if you're sitting on the parts!

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Yep. I ordered 50 of each resistor value. And I think I have about 12-15 of the ICs. I also have TL072 in SMD size. But you gotta get the caps on your own, as those are all common values you probably already have or can easily get.

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TightCamera - Gear Reviews

Name your price and I'll definitely take one. Or put it in your store and I'll definitely order one + some other things I was after (waited too long on those metal knobs you had...).

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Dog Is Blue - Toronto garage folk duo

Wow, it looks amazing! Great job! I don't want one... I couldn't do that!

It definitely works.

But it doesn't seem to have a ton of gain. Actually, totally maxed out, the gain is still what I'd call low-gain. I'm going to double check my wiring and parts values and make sure I didn't screw something up.

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TightCamera - Gear Reviews

BTW, CJ no to hijack but I *loved* the SuperFET kit. It's now my permanent boost on my small rig. Sounds EXCELLENT...count me in if you do a group buy for one of these micro drives.

Can anyone get me either a parts list or a schem for this? I have a board with the SMD IC now soldered in place...

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I'll upload it when I get home.

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Function f(x)
TightCamera - Gear Reviews

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!
I don't own this, just the SMD fuzz, why, why I tell you!?

I can upload the Eagles files so people can order their own.

Or I could order a 20-pack from China and let people order at will.

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Function f(x)
TightCamera - Gear Reviews

Thanks Forrest!

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