Topic: Soldering Tips Needed (Read 106 times)

rwarrin · « **on:** May 06, 2005, 06:15:00 PM »

Add solder to the wire first then solder the wire to the board and that should be enough to make the connection.

hedge · « **Reply #1 on:** May 06, 2005, 06:20:00 PM »

I'm no expert, but here's what worked for me.

1. flux the point to solder
2. flux the wire
3. tin the wire, leave a little blob on the wire
4. now hold iron against wire while it's on the point until solder melts
5. remove iron
6. cleanup flux

if you're getting big blobs of wire you're probably using too 'large' of solder. Use a smaller gauge.

gnutellafan · « **Reply #2 on:** May 06, 2005, 06:38:00 PM »

QUOTE(hedge @ May 7 2005, 12:26 AM)

if you're getting big blobs of wire you're probably using too 'large' of solder. Use a smaller gauge.

el_diablo · « **Reply #3 on:** May 06, 2005, 07:26:00 PM »

it doesnt have to look pretty, if it sticks it sticks.
i have the same problem to, the solder just wont stick to the wire, just put a bit of solder on the end of your tip then put the wire on top of the d0 point and apply heat/solder.
thats what i usally do..

DuckOfDeath · « **Reply #4 on:** May 06, 2005, 07:47:00 PM »

After many a 29wire mod install, I've found the best way is to take a small amount of solder on your iron and lightly touch the d0 solder pad. It'll leave a small cone of solder on the pad, so all you need to do is touch the wire to the cone, and quickly touch the iron to the wire. Instant connection, and it even looks pretty.

You just need to be careful not to slobber solder all over the adjacent points when trying to get the d0 point. They clean up easily with some desoldering braid, though...

-Duck!

noz1380 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 09, 2005, 08:46:00 AM »

Duck...That how I find it works best, I clean the botton d0 with a fibreglass brush then wipe the area with metholated spirits to clean greasy finger prints (I like the smell too.)

Then a touch of solder on the tip then tip to board. Then wire on d0 and touch the iron on top.

Just keep practicing and keep it clean

Chancer · « **Reply #6 on:** May 09, 2005, 09:52:00 AM »

If the solder is just forming blobs its not the diameter of the solder thats the problem its the well made mistake of using a soldering iron that is not powerful enough.
Correct rosin cored solder and the correct temperature iron requires no flux. There is loads (too much) already in the solder. we only use liquid rework flux when using solder paste and the rework station.
If your iron is only 15 watts its not up to the job. Borrow or beg a 25 or 30 watt one and practice with the same solder and see the difference if you don't believe me.

QUOTE

it doesnt have to look pretty, if it sticks it sticks.

If it looks a crap joint it is. the idea of soldering is not to stick anything, its not glue. the solder has to flow so it becomes part of the joint being made not just stuck on top of the solder point. Honestly its not hard if you use the right gear. The problems occur due to misinformation about micro fine tips and really low wattage irons. Quick and clean with a powerful iron, slow and sticky with a low power one (Thats how traces get damaged)
If anyone wanting to mod there box can not get or afford the correct gear and they are willing to make the trip to me (obviously you would need to be relatively close) you can use the soldering stations in my workshop free of charge, and practice on as many scrap boards as you like.

hippo · « **Reply #7 on:** May 09, 2005, 10:34:00 AM »

Apply flux to 30 awg kynar, place wire tip into via until insert firmly, sweat itinto the via hole like a pipe. You are basicly using the flux for lubrication mind you and to help conduct heat.

Staple · « **Reply #8 on:** May 09, 2005, 10:58:00 AM »

i always keep enough solder on my iron to connect whatever im gonna solder i never tin the wire or use flux

Chancer · « **Reply #9 on:** May 12, 2005, 03:41:00 PM »

QUOTE

but i found a 150 watt iron that i have. will that be too hot?

yes that is rather extreme.
30 watt will be fine

Chancer · « **Reply #10 on:** May 12, 2005, 03:44:00 PM »

QUOTE

but i found a 150 watt iron that i have. will that be too hot?

yes that is rather extreme.
30 watt will be fine

jonnywes · « **Reply #11 on:** May 12, 2005, 04:16:00 PM »

i used electric tape to hold the wire in place. the wire metal was touching the d0 when it was taped down. then i just applied some solder. it makes it alot easier, jsut remember dont overheat and dont use much solder.

AirBonk · « **Reply #12 on:** May 12, 2005, 05:34:00 PM »

What's your opinion on the as seen on tv "COLD HEAT" solder iron?

Chancer · « **Reply #13 on:** May 13, 2005, 05:07:00 AM »

QUOTE

What's your opinion on the as seen on tv "COLD HEAT" solder iron?

Its a bag of Crap

Chancer · « **Reply #14 on:** May 15, 2005, 05:51:00 AM »

QUOTE

At first, it will probably make kinda of "spike" when you remove the iron

If it pulls the solder up into a spike the solder is not molten enough. Your iron is not hot enough.
A solderedjoint should take a second, you should not have to pull the iron away quick as the soldr should still be a molten pool.
I fit Philips painter ICs Postage stamp size multi leg SMD and can use the 45 watt weller no problems.
the proof of the pudding is in the eating. try it and see.

Author Topic: Soldering Tips Needed (Read 106 times)