A custom ATmega32u4 board

Hi! Sorry, but the files are not available publicly.

Why not? Are you selling the schematics somewhere?

No. I just simply decided to not publish them.

But just now I see that you offer this your project fully assembled by PCBWay. This is a very good solution and the cost is contained into regular terms.

Hi and thank you for your kind remarks! I had to use SMD components because I wanted to keep the size of the board to the minimum and it also looks better. Furthermore, the format of the chip is also kind of asking for SMD parts. Actually, it is not too difficult to hand-solder SMD components if you have a magnifier or a microscope, plus a soldering iron with a sharp tip. With proper settings, enough flux, the solder finds its way to the legs and solder tabs, so you will be able to avoid short circuits and will be able to solder the pins nicely.

I mentioned the difficulties of soldering SMD components not because it is a defect, but because I believe that most of us can be able to solder components with 2 terminals or so. If you look at the numerous videos on YouTube, you will find that many do not even know how to hold the soldering iron in their hand, and the results are often creepy too. I'm referring to the average hobbyist. Personally, however, I manage quite well and have no details. I think it's due to the 2 years on the assembly line and the next 40 years during which the welder never abandoned me. Even for components like ICs, I don't use small tips, but I prefer to create a so called tin 'wave' that looks like it knows exactly what I intend to make it do! My observation is therefore not a criticism, but my expressing that these (surmountable) difficulties could be a reason that keeps many visitors just 'looking' at your beautiful project. I also use SMD for many of my projects (not published). Congratulations again.

Thank you for the explanation! Yes, I agree that having SMD components would probably discourage people with little soldering experience from using my designs. Actually, I made one of my latest designs (DRO reader with ATtiny85) with only through-hole components, and one of the first comments under my video was about why I haven't used SMD components. And actually I gave the same explanation as you wrote here: I wanted to make that design to be easily doable for everyone. So, it is sometimes hard to decide which way to go. I could probably make 2 versions, but at this moment, I am happy that I can afford the parts for one type of board. Cheers!

I think that the choice must depend on the number of pieces that are expected to be made. In the case of projects intended for a small number of realizations, it can be assumed that whoever will assemble the components will be able, even with a certain effort, to assemble the SMDs. On the other hand, in the case of projects for which a greater number of realizations is expected, it is reasonable to assume that the welding of the components is an obstacle that must necessarily be overcome. However, there will always remain a certain indecision between the choice of making the assembly simple or making the assembly compact. In the case of your elegant project, the idea of making it with pass-through components does not cross my mind. But let's say that in general, having provided the scheme, you have put anyone in a position to replicate your project in different forms. But all these words must not distract attention from the very good result of your work. Regards