Circuit Board Manufacturing Without a Computer Part 3: Surface Mount Soldering

This instructable is part 3 of my Circuit board manufacturing series. This instructable can also function as a stand alone instructable about easy surface mount soldering. After the circuit board is made, it still needs to be soldered. For this instructable, I will show a surface mounting technique, which is easier for beginners. It also doesn't require the use of a drill with a thin drill bit.

Step 1: Tinning the Component Pads

The first thing to do when surface mount soldering with through hole parts is to tin the copper pads. This will allow for an easy placement of parts. To do this, heat up the soldering iron, touch it to the copper pad, and apply solder until there is a sizable droplet.

Step 2: Soldering on the Components

To solder on the components, heat up one of the pre-tinned pads, and press one lead of the component into it. Then, press the other leads into the heated up solder pads. Make sure to place all the components according to the circuit diagram. After this you should be done! My circuit board, that you saw in the pictures, works just fine as a joule thief.

Step 3: It Works!

The joule thief circuit works perfectly! It runs the LED on as little as .47 volts. As you can see in the oscilloscope image above, the circuit oscillates evenly. This circuit works and looks professional on this printed circuit board.

Thank you for reading and good luck manufacturing!

Disclaimer: Ferric chloride is a dangerous substance, do not get it on your skin!