R.I.P. for D.I.Y.

From: Peter C. Wallace <pcw_at_mesanet.com>
Date: Thu Apr 25 14:46:05 2002

On Thu, 25 Apr 2002, Jos Dreesen wrote:

> Allison wrote:
> >
> >almost impossible for the home builder ... and only the odd few (Tony? :-)
> >
> > Impossible? How?
> >
> Open any GSM phone and look at the components....
> There is NO WAY a hobbyist (not even Tony ( sorry chap !)) will be able to
> handle 200-300 pin BGA packages, with 0.8 or even 0.5mm pitch.

Nonsense! I do 388 pin BGAs for protos all the time with nothing but a hot air
gun...

BGAs are easier than fine pitch QFP to solder (though difficult to salvage if
done wrong...)

>
> Granted, not all equipment is build that way, but I am rather pessimistic about
> the future of electronics as a hobby.
> I also believe the rise in interest in classic computing is due to the fact that
> you can tinker with the old machines...
>
> Regards , Jos
>
>

Peter Wallace
Received on Thu Apr 25 2002 - 14:46:05 BST