Simple noob question.

[Pleasurehead]

Hi,

When populating a board do I need to place a few parts in first, then turn the board for soldering? How do you pros do it? For example ... I wouldn't just put in one resister, turn over, solder, turn back etc..
I feel a bit dumb asking this but .. um ... lol

[phatmateo]

you start with the smallest components first...resistors, diodes, caps, and so on. I usually put all the resistors in first and cut out a piece of cardboard to place over the pcb. I use rubber bands or tape to secure it tight against the pcb so that the resistors don't move. I can usually do all the resistors in one shot. For bigger components, you can use some electrical tape to hold them down. Or you can do the solder method and place some solder on your tip, then do a temporary joint on one of the legs while holding it in place with your hand. You then would go back and reheat the joint to make a good connection. Make sense?

[Pleasurehead]

Perfect sense. Thank you very much. I'M bit slow with all this, I'M still doing my BOM check and I've have the package a week

[Randyman...]

Slow and steady wins the race