SMD Challenge Kit
SMD Challenge Kit
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.
Skills you'll build
Couldn't load pickup availability

Skills you'll build
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
Technical specifications
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.
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.
Premium Engineering Files
Thank you for your purchase. Your files are ready to download.