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SMD Challenge Kit

SMD Challenge Kit

1 total reviews

This kit tests your surface-mount soldering across every standard package size — from 1210 down to 0201. You get the board, every component, and a 10-page engineering guide.

Regular price CHF 14.90
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Skills you'll build

SolderingSMDDigital LogicAdvanced
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Skills you'll build

Soldering
SMD Components
Digital Logic
Advanced

What's included

  • PCB
  • All SMD components (0201 to 1210) and supporting through-hole parts
  • Assembly guide
  • Lab Journal
About this kit

Can you solder them all? The SMD Soldering Challenge Kit puts your surface-mount skills to the test across every standard SMD package size — from the large 1210 all the way down to the tiny 0201. Solder each component, connect USB-C power, and press the button. If all 10 LEDs light up in sequence, you've passed.

The board is driven by a 4017 decade counter IC, stepping through each LED one by one with every button press. A failed LED tells you exactly which joint needs attention.

This is an advanced kit for those already comfortable with SMD soldering. If you're new to SMD, start with the Soldering Practice Kit first.

What you'll learn
  • SMD soldering across all standard package sizes — 1210, 1206, 0805, 0603, 0402, and 0201
  • How to identify and fix cold joints, bridges, and tombstoning on SMD components
  • How the 4017 decade counter IC works — clock-driven sequential LED output
  • Soldering iron tip selection and temperature control for fine SMD work
  • Circuit debugging using a multimeter and visual inspection
  • How to use flux and soldering technique for very small packages (0402 and 0201)
Prerequisites & difficulty
Advanced
  • SMD soldering experience (0805 or smaller before attempting this kit)
  • Understanding of resistors, capacitors, and LEDs in a circuit
  • Basic PCB debugging skills
  • Note: Not recommended for beginners — start with the Soldering Practice Kit first. A microscope is essential for 0201 components.
    Technical specifications
    IC 4017 Decade Counter
    SMD sizes included 0201 · 0402 · 0603 · 0805 · 1206 · 1210
    Output 10 × LEDs (sequential via decade counter)
    Power USB-C
    FAQ

    Is this suitable for beginners?

    No. This kit requires existing SMD soldering experience. Start with the Soldering Practice Kit first if you're new to SMD.

    Do I need a microscope?

    Strongly recommended for the 0201 components. A digital microscope or quality magnifier makes a significant difference at that scale.

    How do I know if I've passed?

    Connect USB-C power and press the button. All 10 LEDs lighting sequentially confirms every solder joint is correct. Any dark LED points you to the problem.

    Preview

    Browse the documentation

    Every kit includes a full engineering design guide. Here's a preview.

    Our approach

    Want to see how our documentation is different?

    Every MSD kit ships with an engineering design guide written by the person who designed the board. Not a pinout diagram — a real document.

    See How We Teach

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