“What’s up, everyone? Here’s something REALLY HOT: a DIY mini PCB hotplate made entirely from scratch.
The idea was to make a small and minimal reflow hotplate that could be used for SMT reflow work on small PCBs.
I previously made a huge hotplate that uses an iron element to reflow PCBs, but one problem with it is the size and lack of a temperature control system.
This version is small and has a cut-off feature that works by taking readings through a thermistor and cutting the power by turning the MOSFET off.
When powered by a 12-volt source, it can reach temperatures of up to 214°C; the temperature can rise even higher when powered by a slightly higher voltage source.
This project is still in its infancy, so the maximum temperature and final code are not finalized yet, but it somewhat works.
There also exists a commercial mini hotplate (MiniwareMHP30), and I wanted to make a DIY version of that mini hotplate that works similarly or better than the commercial product.
This Instructables is about the whole building process of this hotplate, so without further ado, let’s get started.
Supplies
Following are the materials used in this built-
- Custom PCB
- Attiny13A
- AO4406 Mosfet IC
- AMS1117 Voltage Regulator
- DC Jack
- Resistor 1K
- LED 0805 Package
- Resistor 10K
- Diode M7 SMA
- PCB Standoffs”