This kit may exceed my visual capabilities. It has an Integrated circuit that is very small. So now I have to purchase even more equipment? Perhaps a jewelers loop? So I can see what’s on these ICs. I’ve read up and watched videos and it seems important to locate pin #1. Also it’s a SMD (surface mounted device) meaning you solder it on the top of the board…not thru the hole like most of the components. They say you often position the IC according to a notch on it. However I see no notch on this one. Surprisingly I see more detail with this handheld camera snap, than I did with my magnifying glass. However the flash probably helped.
Here I scaled it larger. And it’s possible at the bottom left (actually would be top left if IC was rotated clockwise where writing was correct) there is a indented dot. Maybe signifying pin #1. Also it looks like the letters ST…(probably STC the part # is STC15F104) are orientated I assume at the top.
This pic of the IC next to a dime gives you an idea of it’s size.
I have to solder those 8 legs to the circuit board? Riiiiiiiight!
If I looked at it with my magnifying glass in the sun I would probably see more detail. However, if I dropped it…I’d never find it!
I don’t think the PiDP-11/70 has any SMDs so I could probably just practice soldering the thru the hole components. Especially the 19 LEDs.
A JARLINK 30X 60X Illuminated Jewelers Loupe Magnifier is only $8.49 at Amazon. However I don’t think I want lighted because it requires odd batteries. But I’m being nickled and dimed out of more money each day. Solder station, solder, solder wick braid, helping hands, flux. And now this. Also I probably need to add lighted head magnification just for regular soldering.