> > I did use 20 0402 caps, but I > > suspect that was unnecessary. They fit much better than 0603s so I > > could get them closer, but they are hard to solder. > > I can see [from http://dlharmon.com/dspcard/dspcard-art.pdf] > they really help for VCCAUX. I have worked my way down from 1206 to > 0805 to 0603. At this point 805 are "easy" and 0603 are "OK" > for my handwork/testing/repair. 0402 is still too scary. >
0402 components are easy enough with practice. Things that help are: * Using two fine tipped soldering irons on about 350-370 deg centigrade * Not laying them out really tightly * Not using 0402 components with solder pads on only one side, like 0402 wirewound inductors
