QUOTE(jskill @ May 5 2007, 02:17 PM)
Hey I just recently picked up a wii....and am very interested in modding it. Also I am planning on doing the wire install method and I was curious as to how long my wires should be and what kind of wiring to purchase. I watched some videos on youtube but could not find any wire solder jobs. Thanks for your help
Use Small like 30 gauge wire, leave it at two or three inches ( you will cut it to size later ,Tin the one side of the ends first and solder it to the lower small pads of the chip ( Wiikey in this case).Than put the chip over the spot to determine what you feel should be the length ( unless you are putting it totally somewhere else than leave 5-6 inches ). If you leave them a little long you will have a little more control holding the wire, although I still recommend tweezers or a hold down tool/pick. After you decide on the length cut wires and strip a small ( real small) amount bare wire at the end. Tin the ends and solder to the small pads on the DVD drive. I did direct solder ( Pad to Pad ) for the top two. This allows it to be secured to the drive pcb without double sided tape or hot glue.
I would recommend getting a cheap adjustable solder station , Weller makes a $35 one, and you could probably get a China knockoff one at Harbor Freight for less. The control of the temperature is a necessity especially if your soldering skills aren't yet honed. Also If you have any old PC cards or Mobo's lying around they will make good practice for you ( go for the smallest points)
I also recommend a flux pen and a flux remover pen. You can get no clean flux pens though. It really isn't required for this particular job, but if you are trying to pull voltage off of unconventional places on say a 360 or something than its a necessity IMHO.
Hope this helps you out.
Cheers
