SMD Soldering
- ONLINE COURSE
- Entry Level - No Prerequisite
- Webcam and microphone are needed
Course Overview
Learn to work with, recognize and solder the tiny components known as Surface Mount Devices (SMD)
This is an introductory course on the modern, somewhat advanced soldering techniques.
We wanted to deliver a course that would teach students to develop a proficiency that
could help them get more out of our electronics and robotics course as well as providing
a valuable career skill. Even though we get many technology oriented students in our
classes, a great portion of them haven't spent much time developing a strong professional
soldering technique. We're always happy to spent time in the various classes going
over the basics, but we felt it would be best to carve out these elements and put
them into their own dedicated course where we can take our time to solidly hone these
skills. This will allow students to focus on the core concepts in the other courses
and less time troubleshooting soldering mistakes.
The other important topic of class, as the name implies, is that we'll be working
almost exclusively with surface mount components as opposed to "through hole" devices.
These newer devices have the same function as the through hole type yet much smaller.
This reduction of size is imperative for most of the electronics industry as it allows
us to create products like smartphones that don't require a suitcase to transport.
Now not to dissuade anyone from registering for class, but if you look at any circuit
board made in the past twenty years you'll see a lot of really tiny rectangles throughout
the board and this is what we'll be learning to solder. However daunting this may
seem, after spending some time learning the techniques most find it easier than the
larger through hole components.
If you're looking at getting further into any electronics related industry having
a strong, confident soldering ability is a necessity. When a typical mechatronic system
can include motors, actuators, sensors, and microcontrollers (and the code you program
into it) along with the PCB you've designed and components procured, you don't want
to spend hours troubleshooting only to find out it was a bad solder joint.
Online Course Information
A few days prior to the course you will receive an email invite to the video class meetings. Typically this is Webex. We'd also recommend using the webex client install rather than the just the webpage video. Other items such as the class website and materials pick will also be discussed after class start. No materials are required for the first class sessions. All you need to do is log into the video meeting.
Distance Learning Specifics
The online structure of class will consist of one hour live video conferencing for
lecturing and questions, and then between live class times students will have other
objectives to complete somewhat at their leisure. The course times that are listed
are the live class times. We understand if you might have to miss a session and can
usually work with you, but if you know you can't make a larger portion of the live
times, please look for another time slot.
We will have pre-recorded videos for students to watch during off hours. These will
compliment the live lectures and give students a learning source they can watch repeatedly.
These videos and other important information will be held on a class website.
The class website will contain device documentation, vendor information, technology
concepts and quizzes. The quizzes will be an important part of this online program
which students will have to pass in order to complete the course. We will talk through
all the quizzes during our live sessions and anyone that shows up for class will have
no problem making it through. We will not blind side you with stray questions we never
talked about yet expect you to know.
Currently we will we using Webex as our video conferencing software. You do not need
to make an account to join the live sessions. An email will be sent out to all students
including the time and dates, web link to the meeting and password. You will need
to have a webcam and microphone for this class.
The class kits will have to be picked up from the school. In the future we will get
a shipping process sorted out for those that do not live in the area, but for the
moment local pickup only. We are very interested in being able to reach those around
the country so this will happen eventually.
Topics
- Learn how soldering stations work
- How to choose good equipment
- What makes a good electronics lab
- Types of soldering iron tips
- Types of solder
- What is flux and what is it for
- Care and maintenance of your equipment
- Cleaning a PCB
- Testing the circuit
- Identifying dangerous situations
- Building safe habits
- Identifying component types and markings
- Learning to use a multimeter for basic troubleshooting
- Handling of surface mount components
- Where to buy components
- How are PCBs designed and manufactured
- Wiring PCBs
- Introduction to microcontrollers and C++ programming
Class Dates and Times
Mailing List Signup - Many of our classes fill up fast so if you'd like to be notified when new courses are scheduled, please put your name on the list.
Register Online
NOTE - All our classes fall under "Special Topics: Manufacturing". This means if you search for UAV for example you may still find all our classes listed
*If you have troubles with the online registration:
- Call our registration office: 425.640.1840
- Give them the name and number of the class you wish to register for
Contact Damian Cianci at dcianci@edcc.edu if you have any questions.