Here’s a simple tut from Instructables user NemesisC for using a hot air gun from a reflow station and solder paste to do simple – and efficient – SMT work (on PCBs with an appropriate solder mask).

You can see the solder paste strewn across the PCB:

Then apply focused heat:

And the results are pretty smooth:

It’ll no doubt take some learning if you’re accustomed to through-hole soldering, but this is a relatively affordable and accessible way for someone to learn SMT workflow before purchasing more sophisticated – and expensive – equipment.

SOIC is just one of the many types of standarized packages that integrated circuits such as the Attiny85 can come in. The package type just indicates the components will look different and have the chip’s legs accessible in different styles.

his is a free hand soldering paste technique using a Hot Air Soldering Rework Station but you are more than welcome to make a stencil from OSH Stencils!

Read more & thanks Nemesis for sharing! We hope these simple tutorials inspire more makers to expand their skills in 2017 and beyond!

Featured Adafruit Products!

SMT Breakout PCB for SOIC-8, MSOP-8 or TSSOP-8 – 6 Pack!: Beguiled by a fancy new chip that is only available in a SOIC or MSOP/(T)SSOP pinout? This breakout PCB set will make your life much much easier and get you prototyping faster than ever. One side has a 8-TSSOP/8-MSOP pin out with traces going to two rows of 0.1″ spaced holes, the other has 8-SOIC. Solder your chip to either side and you’re ready to rock on any solderless breadboard. Read more.