another question for the electronics-clueful

[chhotii]

How the heck is one supposed to prototype with surface-mount components? (Actually, the "prototype" will be the final product. One of those little one-off projects, never to go to manufacturing.)

Comments

[totient]

Depends on the part, but you can generally either socket, or make an adapter, or just make a breakout board that the parts get soldered to and which has traces out to places where you can muck with the circuit without having to muck with the part.

[sensesurfer.livejournal.com]

For most prototyping i make a circuit board. You can get small ones for about $100. If it is a really simple circuit I either use surfboards (http://search.digikey.com/us/en/cat/prototyping-products/adapter-breakout-boards/2360393?k=surfboard) or simply solder individual wires to the pins. I tend to try and keep my designs using components whose pitch I can easily solder by hand.

[frobzwiththingz.livejournal.com]

It's doable, with enough of a steady hand and a high-power soldering station with a really fine tip. That said, I generally don't even try. I use through-hole components for all of my hobbyist stuff. Don't torture yourself if you don't have to.