Mark,
I think you'll find that you'll be able to do just fine with a few tools that you mostly already have. I routinely solder 0.5mm pitch TSSOPs and 0603 packages with just a temperature controlled soldering iron, some decent tweezers, solder wick and a syringe of paste flux. In fact I use a medium soldering iron tip because I like it better than my ultra-fine ones.
The real challenge of SMT components is not psyching yourself out before you get started. The techniques are a little different that those involved in TH soldering but the process itself isn't any more difficult.
I agree.
My suggestions: 1) toss the breadboard. Just lay out the circuit and have boards made. Plan to fix the circuit with an X-acto and magnet wire, and plan on another board rev before production. 2) You can use the temp-controlled iron you already have, but one of these will make it easier: http://www.bargainmicroscopes.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=108&products_id=205
Regards, Mark markrages@gmail -- You think that it is a secret, but it never has been one. - fortune cookie _______________________________________________ geda-user mailing list geda-user@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user