madbeanpedals::forum

Since there are some parts that are only available in SMD packages these days, I'm wondering where everyone stands and what the interest would be for projects that are mostly through hole, but would require a few SMD components (Transistors and ICs).


Made the voting so you can change your answer later if you change your mind.

I've already gone the route of smd jfets and adapter boards, wouldn't mind skipping that step!

I personnaly think that the best is to have for those specific parts, both media on the board layout, SMT and Through hole...

That way those who are already using SMT can simply solder them directly on board... and TH users still have their option and can try the SMT route if they wish too aswell.

It's not restrictive and would'nt take much more place on the pcb themself.

Quote from: GrindCustoms on May 02, 2015, 11:59:03 PM
I personnaly think that the best is to have for those specific parts, both media on the board layout, SMT and Through hole...

That way those who are already using SMT can simply solder them directly on board... and TH users still have their option and can try the SMT route if they wish too aswell.

It's not restrictive and would'nt take much more place on the pcb themself.

I agree. You know I like doing that with my JFET drives, and I like that idea. However, there are parts out there that just don't have a TH option.  :(

Quote from: jubal81 on May 03, 2015, 12:02:12 AM

Quote from: GrindCustoms on May 02, 2015, 11:59:03 PM
I personnaly think that the best is to have for those specific parts, both media on the board layout, SMT and Through hole...

That way those who are already using SMT can simply solder them directly on board... and TH users still have their option and can try the SMT route if they wish too aswell.

It's not restrictive and would'nt take much more place on the pcb themself.

I agree. You know I like doing that with my JFET drives, and I like that idea. However, there are parts out there that just don't have a TH option.  :(

Are you speaking the 5pin dual JFET with common Drain?... if yes.. i think that having the TH individually with their individual drain could still work, just a matter of one resistor that you either add if going TH or ommit if going SMT.

But i agree that some IC or other power management components are not available TH... for that,  i think that it's the circuit they'd be on that will define if people are willing to plunge into SMT  to have a grab of that sound.

I have done some smd parts, mainly the jfet thing like on your Orange Goblin boatd and having both TH / smd options is great where possible.
I'm looking forward to doing more smd work BUT I need to get a stash of parts for that, which seems to be my bigger question at this stage...
Have to do some research into what's the best option to get smd parts outside of US from trusted sources at reasonable cost.

There could also be a "it would be a pleasure" choice.

For any of the people worried, it's just like anything else, once you do a few SMD they aren't so scary.

I dunno ... I've had some trouble with SMD in the past ... I don't think I'm doing it right.

(https://jonpattonmusic.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/some-mojo-side-2.jpg?w=300)

Jon, thanks for bringing that back - one of the all-time epic builds.  ;D

Quote from: midwayfair on May 03, 2015, 04:03:06 AM
I dunno ... I've had some trouble with SMD in the past ... I don't think I'm doing it right.

(https://jonpattonmusic.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/some-mojo-side-2.jpg?w=300)

Here's the problem.  Someone at Mouser accidentally switched our orders.  To answer the question, I'd probably be willing to try SMD.
(http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad124/v4hor/Pedals/2012-09-02144450.jpg)

"I've never done SMD, but I'm willing to try"

I got my Mutable Instruments Braids board going, how hard could these pedal things be?

Sounds good. I will convert the Dirtbag to SMD today.

I am definitely trying it! I have also prepared one SMD project which combines through hole and SMD parts..

I wouldn't be averse to doing a few SMD parts. As long as they are being included with the PCB being sold.

The actual SMD soldering I have no problems with. I bought a few relay kits from Thomas in the past and they came with an SMD octocoupler, no problems soldering them to the board, I've bought SMD J201's and conversion boards from Chromosphere and that worked well as well. I wouldn't mind trying my hand at a full SMD kit. But actual SMD sourcing the parts myself? I have no experience whatsoever with that. And people keep on throwing the name Mouser around as if that is the solution to the problem, but I'm from Europe so ordering anything from Mouser is just simply not done. Just too damn expensive. It would be just simpler and cheaper to actually buy the unobtainium parts that the SMD parts are supposed to replace.

I'm game. It's going to become unavoidable at some point anyway. The FV-1 could be my gateway drug.

Quote from: Muadzin on May 03, 2015, 10:57:41 AM
I wouldn't be averse to doing a few SMD parts. As long as they are being included with the PCB being sold.

And people keep on throwing the name Mouser around as if that is the solution to the problem, but I'm from Europe so ordering anything from Mouser is just simply not done.

Including the parts would start to get expensive. Not from parts cost but from labor. The resistors all have their values printed on them, but the non-polarized caps don't. So each value would have to be individually bagged and tagged. If it were me, I'd charge a big premium for that kind of a time-suck.

If you want to source parts in Europe, check out Farnell. Pretty much the same selection as Mouser but based in Europe.

Absolutely NOT.   ;D

Quote from: culturejam on May 03, 2015, 01:41:00 PMIncluding the parts would start to get expensive. Not from parts cost but from labor. The resistors all have their values printed on them, but the non-polarized caps don't. So each value would have to be individually bagged and tagged. If it were me, I'd charge a big premium for that kind of a time-suck.

Understandable. Still, if its just the odd transistor or IC I'd be willing to pay for it.

QuoteIf you want to source parts in Europe, check out Farnell. Pretty much the same selection as Mouser but based in Europe.

I just checked them out. Unfortunately they don't seem to be doing paypal. Credit cards and business accounts mostly. And I don't have neither. So again utterly useless for me.  :(

Quote from: madbean on May 03, 2015, 09:31:28 AM
Sounds good. I will convert the Dirtbag to SMD today.

If that was sarcasm it was on an epic scale.

I dont think throughhole is going anywhere any time soon.  Things are getting a bit more difficult, but you know...you can still get germanium transistors on ebay for 30c each and they stopped making them in the 80's.

I don't know what it is but one thing to watch out for is these smd guys are always such a bunch of wise-asses...

;)

Quote from: wgc on May 05, 2015, 06:17:23 AM
I don't know what it is but one thing to watch out for is these smd guys are always such a bunch of wise-asses...

My sister thinks I need a new catch-phrase ("I'm just a meatworker, and *I* can do this stuff...")

Quote from: Muadzin on May 03, 2015, 04:54:20 PM

Quote from: culturejam on May 03, 2015, 01:41:00 PM

QuoteIf you want to source parts in Europe, check out Farnell. Pretty much the same selection as Mouser but based in Europe.

I just checked them out. Unfortunately they don't seem to be doing paypal. Credit cards and business accounts mostly. And I don't have neither. So again utterly useless for me.  :(

Sorry dude but this isn't true... they accept debit cards, and allow personal (non-business) accounts. I'm in the UK and I use them both all the time.

No PayPal but who cares when setting up an account is so easy?

Try em'... you might like em'  ;)

Sent this off to be fabbed last night just for giggles. It's a boost using a 5-pin dual JFET (SMD) with a Stupidly Wonderful Tone Control and fatness control (source cap blend).


It's a JFET with no TH equivalent - designed for ultra low noise audio applications. Common source and I put them in parallel.

Also tossed on a power brick to run it at 24V. Should be a fun one to experiment with.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/77962/Photos/Preacher%27s%20Daughter%20pic.png)

I don't mind smd.  It took me awhile to get good at it.  I was a slow learner but I've done 28 SSOP ICs successfully and don't have any problem with SSOPs any more.  If I can learn it, anybody can.  One thing nice about smd is that you don't have to turn the pcb over all the time.  Good tweezers and good magnification are necessary, though.  Also, you need a flux pen.

Quote from: jubal81 on May 05, 2015, 02:59:29 PM
Sent this off to be fabbed last night just for giggles. It's a boost using a 5-pin dual JFET (SMD) with a Stupidly Wonderful Tone Control and fatness control (source cap blend).


It's a JFET with no TH equivalent - designed for ultra low noise audio applications. Common source and I put them in parallel.

Also tossed on a power brick to run it at 24V. Should be a fun one to experiment with.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/77962/Photos/Preacher%27s%20Daughter%20pic.png)

Looking sweet will be interesting to hear what you've gotta say about this...
... and I wouldn't mind building one for a second opinion ;)