N5IB's Surface Mount Page
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All N5IB photos were made with an Olympus D-340R digital camera in "regular resolution" (640x480). Extreme closeups were shot through a 10x hand magnifier.

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A version of the VE3DNL marker generator using some SMT and some conventional parts. The Ft. Smith QRP group offers a kit using conventional parts.
(46K jpg)

A version of a hold-down jig built from a description by Steve, KD1JV. The spring is actually an antenna salvaged from a toy walkie talkie. (14K jpg)

In a QRP-L post  on 4/28/00 Mahlon, N4EEE, described a "goofy-lookin' goose-shaped SMD holder-downer doofus" to ease the positioning of SMT parts. Here's my implementation - the 2N2222A is for scale (80K jpg). It works great! The weight is a lead sinker, the legs are music wire, and the business end is a piece of bamboo skewer shaped as shown in the closeup (44K jpg) and hot-glued to the music wire.  The next picture (35K jpg) is the "doofus" in action on the SMK-1 board.  The weight can be slid up and down the skewer to provide different amounts of hold-down force. I use just enough so the part won't be pulled by the wicking action of the solder. Too much force and you can "squirt" parts everywhere. Another "doofus" with a concave tip will work with those cylindrical diodes in the SMK-1.

Another version of the "doofus" as implemented by Jerry, KR5L. Here shown from the side (83K jpg) and from above (75 K jpg). Thanks to Jerry for the photos.

SMK-1 work underway - if R4's pad looks like its been previously slobbered on, you're right. C7 used to live there due to a SCBTH (short circuit between the headphones)  (82K jpg)

Next is the completed board with pots and knobs installed. The image file is big (150K jpg).

Also, here is a closeup of the crystal installation, showing the use of some machined pins taken from an IC socket and soldered in place to serve as a crystal socket. Notice that a third socket pin is used for the can ground lead. (83K jpg)

Click HERE for more SMK-1 photos of the completed transceiver in its wood enclosure

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