July
2004, Issue 168
Easy
Reflow
Build
an SMT Reflow Oven Controller
THREE-DAY
SOLUTION
This
project proves that SMT technology is neither boring
nor too expensive for the occasional prototype circuit
maker. With a $150 toaster oven and a low-cost controller,
you can achieve reflows with good results. The only
other things you need are a good lens and some basic
equipment that’s readily available on the used market.
And, yes, you’ll need some patience too.
This
project also shows that BASIC is efficient language
for low-speed, real-time applications, especially those
that are associated with microcontrollers with plenty
of RAM and program memory in order to fully use the
power of such languages (e.g., the Renesas H8/3687).
Last
but not least, this project demonstrates that embedded
development doesn’t necessarily have to be a huge undertaking
to give good results. It took me only three days to
finish this project. I spent one day drawing the concept
and algorithms on paper. The last two days were spent
building the prototype, writing the software, and optimizing
it.
The
next step will be to experiment with BGA packages, but
that should work too. Happy reflowing!
