[dorkbotpdx-blabber] Hot Plate Reflow

[dave madden]

Y'all probably know this already, but the SparkFun hot-plate reflow
soldering technique for SMD parts works TEH BOMB!  I got a big
rectangular plate from Bed Bath & Beyond (open-box special, $35, minus
20% discount coupon, w00t!) and the digital thermostat is a bonus.  (It
doesn't read particularly accurately, but it appears to be repeatable,
so I'm good.)

And if you don't know...well, give it a try.  You'll learn to love those
0.5mm-pitch parts, and the leadless flatpacks too.  I have an SO-14 part
on this board, and it's positively HUGE by comparison.  You could
probably solder it with one of those giant Weller pistol guns my dad had
when I was a kid.  I don't think I'll bother trying BGA with the hot
plate, but who knows, it might be possible.

d.