Title: 4.2 Surface Mount Lab
Course: Electronics Assembly & Soldering (Sandbox) > Section: Module 4: Surface Mount Soldering

Introduction

Now that you have learned about Surface Mount (SMT) soldering, it is time to practice and put your SMT soldering skills to the test.

Lab Instructions

1. If you were given a "Universal Learn to Solder Kit", practice Surface Mount soldering on your Universal board with the "SMT Practice Components."  If not, contact your instructor get some SMT components and a board so that you may practice SMT soldering. Remember that you use a different technique with SMT than with through-hole. Review that technique now. You should also be shown the solder equipment and tools. If you are not sure not to use them, it is your responsibility to ask.

2. Remember everything you have learned so far: safety requirements/rules, techniques for soldering, and that you tin the tip before you solder and again before you leave. Don't forget to turn the solder station off before you leave the room.

3. When you have completed the practice portion and are confident that you can move on, show the instructor your work. Together you will decide if you are ready to solder your SMT project. If you want more practice, solder the SMT portion of the "Insanity Alarm" on the Universal board.

4. When you are ready to solder, your instructor will give you either a "Happy Face" kit or another SMT kit. There are several to choose from.

Smiley Face Kit

5. Read the instructions carefully before you begin if you want your project to work. Proceed carefully and ask your instructor if you have any questions.

6. You are finished with your project when it works. Some of the projects run on a single 9 V battery, others take a coin battery, you may get these from your instructor to test the project, but you may need to supply your own batteries to run it.

7. If your project does not work, you will need to troubleshoot it. See Module 6 for troubleshooting tips. You probably want your instructor's help with troubleshooting.

Submission

When you are finished with the project, take a 30-second video of your project working. If the project is supposed to make noise, include sound. Then, upload your video.

You will be graded according to the rubric below.

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