"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:
And lots of extra wires where you do need a strip. Like PS rails and
grounds.

I prefer to lay the circuit out more like the schematic - you don't have to
do mental somersaults to fit the strips. No problem to add a few wires as
power supply rails, and component leads generally do the rest.

Think you must mainly be dealing with computer bits and pieces. SM is
simply far too difficult for one off use. It's designed for machine
assembly.

Computer or RF, where layout does matter and SMD components are much better
than through-hole ones. SMD's really not a problem for hand assembly of
prototypes, it's just a different way of thinking. Tools like solder paste
and hot air help as well, but I mostly use a normal, fat, iron. Of course,
a PCB makes things easier (eg for SSOPs, QFPs or the simplest of BGAs),
though the sort of protoboard being discussed can have breakout patterns of
these things already integrated.

Theo