Acxico 5Pcs NE555 CD4017 Chaser Flowing Water Red Light LED DIY Kit Soldering Practice Kits

I purchased this to test as an introduction to soldering project for my class (I teach at a local high school). I should've read the specs a bit more and maybe I would've realized this but I was lured in by the high rating and cheap price so I thought I would try it. Upon opening the package, I quickly realized this is not the kit you want for a student getting their first experience soldering. The LEDs themselves and the potentiometer are fine, but the resistors (x12), capacitors (x2), and the ICs (x2), are all tiny, surface mount components that have very little space to operate with. I included a pic of the 10-pack of resistors and the larger of the two surface mount IC chips so you could see the scale of them compared to a normal-sized adult hand. I wouldn't say there is anything in the description that is misleading, but I think it should be labeled as "surface mount" and probably SHOULDN'T be labeled just as "soldering practice" as I believe that implies that it is a beginner's project and there is no way our introduction students will be able to manage these tiny parts.

Its probably not what you want to try if you've never tried to solder SMD. you'll need a steady hand, plenty of flux, and a good pair of tweezers. that being said, if you're used to reworking SMD on circuit boards it should not no more than 15-30 minutes to assemble per unit. No need for wave or reflow, as neither the 555 or the 4017 has an exposed pad, everything in this kit has contacts you can reach from the outside. This is an intermediate level solder kit, Its not like this kit involves TSSOP-8 EP or a QFN QFP BGA where you really have to suffer when you make a mistake without hot air support.

Excellent product. Not for those without surface-mount experience, skills and the right tools.

These components are WAVE SOLDER! unless you have a wave soldering machine there is no way to solder the components to the board! The only parts that can be soldered are the LEDs and the potentiometer. Waste of money!

Very difficult to solder, very small, and no directions. It does work if you have a magnifying glass and are good with a soldering iron but jeez. Not easy

Only done 1 so far, but it works. Make sure you have a 2xAA holder with alligator clips to power it. Got 5 for about $8, great for keeping skills sharp and practicing with new equipment/supplies. I'll probably order more at some point for testing new stuff.