Quote from: BkkCoins on July 21, 2013, 11:22:08 AM

Quote from: pixl8tr on July 21, 2013, 10:27:24 AM

Quote from: mokahless on July 21, 2013, 04:22:53 AM

What. Even the components that fit on the edge of a dime aren't that bad. I'm more worried about the tiny QFN48 package on the ASIC.

You are one of the talented people I was talking about then. ;-) Have you seen this video? Some good tips on soldering QFN packages. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_rO6oPVsws

To build either the K16 or K1 you need to be detail oriented and capable of fine work with small parts. I didn't find it terribly hard with any of the parts using tweezers but I think the ASIC packages are a bit easier with vacuum tweezers ($5 on ebay). I may add those to my store if people want them. You will want some kind of magnifying work light or head piece because getting good position without is going to be near impossible.

However, you aren't going to do either of these boards with a soldering iron. The only way really to get good results is with solder paste, stencil and oven. Going this way the only hard part is placing the parts on the board. You have to be very methodical in making sure each part is in the correct place and oriented correctly, and this will likely take several hours at least per board. A mistake can be disastrous. If that step is done properly then the reflow oven step is quite easy and quick, and you should have a working board within minutes.

I'll be putting together a PDF assembly guide with step by step placement diagrams and check lists to help with this, but as I've stressed a few times this is not a project for a beginner. Or at least not a beginner without a strong background in fine model making or clear idea what's involved here.

I can't wait to see that PDF. For my students just doing the bump and reflow of the ASIC only on K1s. It would be nice to see a video of one of these boards being made so I can show the kids how it is done. If anyone does build it DIY please post some video then I can use it as part of curriculum for the students.