Compact reflow table with BLE control, and 80x70 mm working area

[pvit]

https://github.com/puzrin/reflow_micro

This table is meant for hobbyists who assemble PCBs from time to time. It may not be as feature-packed as professional gear, but it's compact and covers most hobby needs.

Key points:

• Very small, doesn't eat much space when not in use.
• Powered from a 100-140 W USB PD charger.
• Controlled from a web browser (desktop and mobile).
• 80x70 mm working area.
• Components cost under $50.
• Simple heating profile management.
• Up to 180°C with the simple MCPCB-based head.
• Up to 300°C with the MCH-based head.

Use cases:

• Reflow soldering with Sn42Bi58 (138°C) paste using the MCPCB-based head.
• Pre-heating (130-150°C) for hot air work.
• Other tinkering, like drying parts or baking paint.

This project isn't unique on the market, but the feature balance is tuned for fun hobby use and learning. The goal is to be useful and show that building modern electronics at home is totally doable, even for beginners.

[Zipdox]

Is it controlled entirely through a browser or only for profile configuration? Requiring a web browser even for using an already configured profile would be unnecessary.

[pvit]

The current profile can be started with a long-press of the button, without the web app.

[pvit]

Finally, created a video on how this works



There have been a lot of updates since the first release:

• Added SnPb (leaded) profiles support.
• Simplified assembly (no need to glue magnets anymore).
• Support up to 48V proviles (was 28V before).
• New app design.
• and many other tings...

Enjoy!

[unikeyname]

hi, there is a design choice which is quite a bit... weird, I want to ask about that a bit.

Why do you choose not to fill the ground plane around the ESP32? I think it could help simplify the routing a bit and improve signal integrity in some traces. 

And FWIW, config through USB could be more friendly in certain situation. While USB device stack is not available in ESP32-C3 and C6, a CH340G UART to USB could work that out.
EDIT: forgive me. you do have copper fills on GND net, it's just in the back layer. Front layer doesnt have that.

EDIT2: I really hope you could somehow convert this to KiCAD. EasyEDA/LCEDA has always been a pain for me due to account registration issue..

[pvit]

And FWIW, config through USB could be more friendly in certain situation. While USB device stack is not available in ESP32-C3 and C6, a CH340G UART to USB could work that out.

I'd suggest you focus on the "product" level rather than on micro details. If you know a use case for this concrete device, when cable setup is needed, you can create an issue on GitHub. We discuss it, and if the case is realistic (not "just for fun"), I will try to find what can be done.

EDIT2: I really hope you could somehow convert this to KiCAD. EasyEDA/LCEDA has always been a pain for me due to account registration issue..

I can provide you with Altium / Gerber / native exports quickly, if that helps. There are public automated convertors to Kicad, but I never tested those.

But, TBH, it could be simpler to find a friend who can make an order for you.

[unikeyname]

I can provide you with Altium / Gerber / native exports quickly, if that helps. There are public automated convertors to Kicad, but I never tested those.

But, TBH, it could be simpler to find a friend who can make an order for you.

well I'm more interested in lending some interesting details I can pick up on this design to my personal work, so...


About other points I mentioned in my reply, I will try to work that out in an github issue then.