Uploaded September 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Thanks to PCBWay.com/?from=atomic for the boards used in this video - they came out great as usual.
I got sent a Pixel Pump by Robin Ritter - https://dub.sh/rtls
It's really very cool. With some great features. Much better than messing around with tweezers!
I had a good chat with Robin after I'd finished the video and he's got some good hints and tips:
- I only ever put the plastic tape covering the components through the slot in the magazine once it's 3-4cm long. Until then I just let it stick out in the front and peel it back further if I need more components.
This would have saved me a lot of components pinging around. But to be honest this is only a problem with tiny components like resistors, capacitors etc.. which are incredibly cheap.
- Its totally fine to use tweezers alongside the Pixel Pump. I do it all the time. You also said it with the USB connector. That may also be a component which I just place by hand. The Pixel Pump is not meant to replace tweezers entirely. I always have them nearby when doing PCBs.
This is great advice - use the right tool for the job!
- As you already said, it takes a bit of practice. After a few board the foot pedal becomes almost a natural extension of your body 😁 I don't ever think about it anymore while using the pump. I just "pick" and "release" a part and the rest goes on autopilot.
As with everything, practice, practice practice.
I'm actually looking forward to my next assembly job!
---
If you'd like to help support the channel and help me buy more nonsense - I have a Patreon page: patreon.com/atomic14
We've also got a shop now! shop.atomic14.com
And if you're shopping on AliExpress or Amazon then if you click on these links I will get a little bit of affiliate money:
Aliexpress - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Ac05mF
Amazon - amazon.com/?tag=atomic14-20
You can also join us on Discord here: discord.gg/h2DDnDdjD2
There's also the Atomic14 newsletter here: atomic14.substack.com
And don't forget about the MakerNews newsletter - makernews.substack.com
Thanks to PCBWay.com/?from=atomic for the boards used in this video - they came out great as usual.
I got sent a Pixel Pump by Robin Ritter - https://dub.sh/rtls
It's really very cool. With some great features. Much better than messing around with tweezers!
I had a good chat with Robin after I'd finished the video and he's got some good hints and tips:
- I only ever put the plastic tape covering the components through the slot in the magazine once it's 3-4cm long. Until then I just let it stick out in the front and peel it back further if I need more components.
This would have saved me a lot of components pinging around. But to be honest this is only a problem with tiny components like resistors, capacitors etc.. which are incredibly cheap.
- Its totally fine to use tweezers alongside the Pixel Pump. I do it all the time. You also said it with the USB connector. That may also be a component which I just place by hand. The Pixel Pump is not meant to replace tweezers entirely. I always have them nearby when doing PCBs.
This is great advice - use the right tool for the job!
- As you already said, it takes a bit of practice. After a few board the foot pedal becomes almost a natural extension of your body 😁 I don't ever think about it anymore while using the pump. I just "pick" and "release" a part and the rest goes on autopilot.
As with everything, practice, practice practice.
I'm actually looking forward to my next assembly job!
---
If you'd like to help support the channel and help me buy more nonsense - I have a Patreon page: patreon.com/atomic14
We've also got a shop now! shop.atomic14.com
And if you're shopping on AliExpress or Amazon then if you click on these links I will get a little bit of affiliate money:
Aliexpress - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Ac05mF
Amazon - amazon.com/?tag=atomic14-20
You can also join us on Discord here: discord.gg/h2DDnDdjD2
There's also the Atomic14 newsletter here: atomic14.substack.com
And don't forget about the MakerNews newsletter - makernews.substack.com
