3 ms·

This largely ignores the reality in much of the world outside North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia. > You can get simple two layer PCBs made for virtu

This largely ignores the reality in much of the world outside North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia. > You can get simple two layer PCBs made for virtually nothing Sure you can produce them in Shenzhen for virtually nothing but try getting it shipped to Cartagena, Colombia, or Maxixe, Mozambique and then tell me how cheap they get. > A temperature controlled soldering iron and a cheap hot air station That is a 'cheap' under $100 setup in a lot of places, but $100 is also the monthly paycheck for a lot of people. Compare that with a $10 soldering iron and honestly consider how are they equivalent outside a developed country.

foldr 6y ago
>try getting it shipped to Cartagena, Colombia, or Maxixe, Mozambique and then tell me how cheap they get. Sure, but components and all of your other equipment also have to be shipped. >That is a 'cheap' under $100 setup in a lot of places, but $100 is also the monthly paycheck for a lot of people. I'm fully aware of that, but you at least need a decent soldering iron whatever kind of components you're using. The hot air station is optional if you avoid QFN. These days you only save a little by getting a non-temperature-controlled iron, and it's a massive reduction in utility.
- DoingIsLearning 6y ago
  > Sure, but components and all of your other equipment also have to be shipped. Those are not custom parts, they are shipped in bulk. > but you at least need a decent soldering iron There are people out there who cannot afford to _need_ a $40 temperature controlled soldering iron, and irrespective of the lottery of where they were born in the world, they still have an interest in (and often a need to repair) electronics. The industry trend of ending dip package options is inevitable but it also makes things harder for many makers across developing countries.
  - monocasa 6y ago
    > Those are not custom parts, they are shipped in bulk. Not if no one else in Mozambique wants those parts.
- JAlexoid 6y ago
  You don't need to go outside of EU to get lack of availability of fast deliveries.

foldr 6y ago

>try getting it shipped to Cartagena, Colombia, or Maxixe, Mozambique and then tell me how cheap they get. Sure, but components and all of your other equipment also have to be shipped. >That is a 'cheap' under $100 setup in a lot of places, but $100 is also the monthly paycheck for a lot of people. I'm fully aware of that, but you at least need a decent soldering iron whatever kind of components you're using. The hot air station is optional if you avoid QFN. These days you only save a little by getting a non-temperature-controlled iron, and it's a massive reduction in utility.

DoingIsLearning 6y ago
> Sure, but components and all of your other equipment also have to be shipped. Those are not custom parts, they are shipped in bulk. > but you at least need a decent soldering iron There are people out there who cannot afford to _need_ a $40 temperature controlled soldering iron, and irrespective of the lottery of where they were born in the world, they still have an interest in (and often a need to repair) electronics. The industry trend of ending dip package options is inevitable but it also makes things harder for many makers across developing countries.
- monocasa 6y ago
  > Those are not custom parts, they are shipped in bulk. Not if no one else in Mozambique wants those parts.
JAlexoid 6y ago
You don't need to go outside of EU to get lack of availability of fast deliveries.