[Open-graphics] Re: DDC injection box Re: Boot-time video mode

[James Richard Tyrer]

Dieter wrote:
> And is likely to be surface mount. Has anyone come up with a good
> prototyping board for surface mount chips, like the very handy ones
> for DIP packages?

Some company, I think in Germany, makes small square circuit boards that 
you can solder one chip on to.

>> More than one user interface is possible.  Probably the most
>> universal solution would be to put in both the RS-232 port and the
>> DIP switches; that way only one board would have to be laid out to
>> satisfy different sorts of users. It occurs to me that if the tool
>> is built with through-hole DIP ICs and switches, it can be
>> assembled with ordinary home-shop tools, and sold as a kit.
> 
> If you're thinking of making a PCB, devices could be surface mount,
> *IF* the pins are spaced widely enough.  The real problem isn't
> surface mount vs through hole, it is the size.  For de-soldering,
> surface mount is actually easier than through-hole.  The biggest
> problem soldering is finding a small enough tip for your soldering
> iron.  You also want skinny solder and a good magnifying glass, but
> those are easy to find.

The best two methods appear to be a toaster over or one of those small 
hot air guns made for the purpose.

> But for a prototype, those solderless breadboards for DIPs are very
> nice.

You can get adapters (they convert it to a DIP).  The less expensive 
ones are solder -- you have to solder the SO chip to the adapter.  The 
solder-less ones are expensive and they don't work too well at high 
frequencies.

-- 
JRT