mulcmu Posted March 24, 2016 Share Posted March 24, 2016 I took the plunge and attempted to build some myself. This was my first attempt at SMD soldering using solder paste. It went much better than I had expected. I highly recommend using the stencil and solder paste method. The stencil adds some extra cost, but is well worth the investment. Electrotrain’s assembly notes on the github page give a good overview. The stencil is only needed for the side with the FPGA. For the other side applying the solder paste from the syringe or using a toothpick by hand will work well. I would recommend having a solder wick/braid on hand (with a very fine braid) even if using the stencil as 2 of my 3 boards had bridged pins on the FPGA. I found having a magnifying glass and eye loupe necessary to inspect the solder paste and finished solder joints. I would also spend some time watching the eevblog youtube videos on smd/smt reflow soldering before getting started. I found that using the stencil was pretty forgiving. If you mess up applying the solder paste you can wipe it off and start over. When placing the parts on the solder paste some fine adjustment could be done to get it aligned correctly before pressing it down into the paste to hold it in place. The PCBs, stencil, and parts to build 3 boards cost about 200 USD. All of the parts were available from Mouser.com (quick and reasonable shipping in the US at least). The PCB was easily ordered from Oshpark with the eagle .brd file. I ordered a mylar stencil from Oshstencil, again all that was needed was the eagle .brd file. I tested operation of the oven several times with junk boards and some ebay smd breakout boards to get a feel for the operation. For the cost of a new toaster oven and the solder paste you might be able to join a local hackerspace/makerspace for access to a proper reflow oven. If they have a laser cutter you could even make the stencil there instead of ordering. PCB in jig to hold in place Stencil aligned over pcb and taped in place FPGA side with paste Close up of FPGA with paste Bridged pins after reflow, used the cut end of solder braid to wick out the excess with soldering iron. Closeup of FPGA and clock oscillator. Clock does not have exposed pins so need to use oven or hot air. Front with paste applied by hand Front with paste and parts Front reflowed with hot air gun. (I modified the PCB eagle file to add the pull up resistor on the SD card. In the process I deleted the power trace to the SD card. Fixed with the black jumper wire.) 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pjbramley Posted March 24, 2016 Share Posted March 24, 2016 How do we get payment details? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_The Doctor__ Posted March 24, 2016 Share Posted March 24, 2016 hmm.... I was told to do all the parts that need baking first then hot air followed by the drag and finally conventional connections.... The only time that order was altered was when using infra red.... it seems nobody does thru the hole wave soldering anymore... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechCowboy Posted March 26, 2016 Share Posted March 26, 2016 Is there any plans for another run? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bikerbob Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 I could be very insterested in this if more become available. I am not interested in building the board.. if I can get a finished unit? or someone finish it for me. James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xrbrevin Posted April 5, 2016 Share Posted April 5, 2016 i am very interested in one of these please let me know if available thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
santosp Posted April 7, 2016 Share Posted April 7, 2016 Is there any plans for another run? i am very interested in one of these please let me know if available thanks P.M. sent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooter83 Posted April 7, 2016 Share Posted April 7, 2016 2 for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Allan Posted April 7, 2016 Share Posted April 7, 2016 I'm interested in one of these also. Allan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrobits Posted April 7, 2016 Share Posted April 7, 2016 I would buy a completed cart board. No smd soldering for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechCowboy Posted April 7, 2016 Share Posted April 7, 2016 If the complete cart board becomes available, I would like one as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariSociety Posted April 8, 2016 Share Posted April 8, 2016 Completed Cart for me if they can ship to USA. Qty 1. TJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxbat Posted April 11, 2016 Share Posted April 11, 2016 I would be up for a cart as well. Qty 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerb316 Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 I would love one as well. I'd prefer a complteted cartridge but might have a source which could handle surface mount soldering one for me if a parts kit were available to purchase. If either of these are availabe, please let me know the costs. Thanks you. From an avid Atarian since the 2600 but spent most of my time on my 800 & 130XE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcbstein Posted April 18, 2016 Share Posted April 18, 2016 I too would be interested in purchasing a completed Ultimate Cartridge as well. Hopefully there will be a second run of these. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
576XE Posted April 26, 2016 Share Posted April 26, 2016 I simply NEED one completed of this. Please! Best Wishes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndusGT Posted April 26, 2016 Share Posted April 26, 2016 Been looking for one too thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AA737 Posted May 5, 2016 Share Posted May 5, 2016 Interested in one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+davidcalgary29 Posted June 6, 2016 Share Posted June 6, 2016 I'm in for two! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEADRIVE Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 I love to see items like this available...please put me down for one too...as long as it will work on NTSC, for I am from Canada...thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
venom4728a Posted July 15, 2016 Share Posted July 15, 2016 i WOULD LIKE ONE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuf Posted July 24, 2016 Share Posted July 24, 2016 Add me to the list for 1!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Serblander Posted July 24, 2016 Share Posted July 24, 2016 +1 No Returns! Just got the Lynx SD cart and would love to finally have something like this for my XEGS!!! Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoyx Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 If this works with the XEGS, I would like to be added to the list. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+orpheuswaking Posted August 19, 2016 Share Posted August 19, 2016 (edited) Preorders happening in the thread by Santosp, need at least 20 orders... so get over there http://atariage.com/forums/topic/255512-ultimate-sd-cart-another-possible-run/page-2?do=findComment&comment=3574141 Edited August 19, 2016 by orpheuswaking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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