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You didn't say which package you are using.  Is it the 150mil of 300 mil SOP?
I've only used the 300 mil which is the pt2399-S.  I haven't had any problems with anyone I've done work for with that package.

I'd also try them from a reputable supplier if you haven't already.

That being said, there is some variability between chips and some changes over time which are not disclosed.  Some batches have more quirks than others, in my experience.

Josh

Yeah, it's much worse imo.

On a parametric search sometimes it eliminates a spec that is really important to the search.
I'm also running across a lot of errors such as a cap being listed as 0.02uF instead of 0.022uF.
I had a part number so I knew it was 0.022uF according to the manufacturer.
Same with incorrect specs and there is no consistency for certain parameters.  So on a search, some results for parts may not even show up that fit what you are looking for.
I cross reference through multiple distributors now on searches.  Digikey changed their search as well, which is also not the best.

Yep that is a perfect use case.

I can desolder a 3pdt faster with hot air though haha.

They work well but they quickly become really hard to clean if you don't stay on top of it.  Clean the "intake" barrel after every session while the gun is hot.  The issue is if you are using a smaller tip you really have to take the tip off to do it well.
Out of all my tools I've burnt myself on it more times than I care to admit.

I've used it less and less over the years and find good desoldering braid quicker than waiting for it to heat up and then having to clean it/maintain it.  I also just use hot air now for things like pots and 3pdts and use braid to wick the solder out of the holes.  I find it easier, ymmv, but I desolder a fair amount for fixes and pulling parts off old protos.

Yeah, you have to have D2 populated.

Adjusting the trimpot will give the best results but if you are happy that's all that matters

There are some threads in the tech help section already, under the 1776 area of the forum.  It goes through some troubleshooting for the tape speed not working.

You didn't mention calibrating it.  Follow the link in the build document to calibrate it if you haven't completed that step.

test rig

 

Hmm, I have one.  Guess I can undercut sell him for a couple grand 

Can you provide more info?

Here is a helpful thread to help us help you

http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=902.0

Cool!

I have a few jigs I designed in Fusion360 and 3D printed to aid in assembly work for holding pots and switches in place.  They make me much more productive.

Josh

You don't need expensive tools to do the work and you likely have enough to do what you need.

Just check out one of the youtube tutorials on SMD soldering and go from there.  Practice on a junk PCB, there are many SMD boards up on OSH park and on the interweb to spin up if you don't have one.  There is the SMD challenge PCB floating around.

For just taking a SMD resistor off for instance, I kind of cheat and just quickly use two irons to lift it.  I don't break out the hot air or anything for that.  You can use a cheapy iron and your good iron to accomplish that.  Then put some desoldering braid on the pads and wick up the remaining solder after the removal.
Just be quick and don't overheat the pads.
Then follow the numerous smd tutorials to solder the new components.

Epic!

I think you can use Open PNP with that particular machine now.  The stock software is terrible from what I have heard.

What is the reason for the purchase?
Assembly costs are fairly reasonable now for SMD work.

I have looked into it but my time is more valuable than the amount of money it would save me, along with the headaches and cheap machine upkeep.
My other problem is the reflow, for a larger panel that you would be assembling on the machine you need a good reflow process with good profiling.
You also need a way to reliably and accurately paste before the pick and place.  It can be done with a nice stainless steel stencil but it is an art form to get a proper paste thickness.

Yeah, it's kind of a mess huh...

I wonder how long USPS will stay afloat tbh...