Difference between revisions of "Basic soldering"

From OpenCircuits
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(fix broken link -- moved to different URL?)
 
(26 intermediate revisions by 17 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
[http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/aimone-recorder.html aimone recorder screen] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?saacmondr i aint mad at ya lyrics tupac] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?bugeltchi mystery snail] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/blood-remover.html blood remover] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/antler-lamp.html antler lamp] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/rock-polishing.html rock polishing] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/getoloer.html chair beds] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/el-granma.html el granma] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/rodronco.html sarah michelle gellar sex] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/trrell.html greyhound bus line] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/zrebocmo.html model ships] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/notebook-sleeve.html notebook sleeve] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?henpldron words to sugar were goin down] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/mancini-leathergoods.html mancini leathergoods] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/ripped-dvd-download.html ripped dvd download] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/c4tcnabo.html clear channel outdoor] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/timine.html timine] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/wi-high-school.html wi high school state wrestling] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/enterprise-car.html enterprise car rentals] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?xdronfahe message in a bottle filmed] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/c4toloz.html sexy lingery] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/www-british.html www british airways.com] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/non-nude-teen.html non nude teen bra] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?delnose asian supermarkets sydney] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/timber-homes.html timber homes] [http://jointhefightforfreedom.com/files/pictures/img/fagolsit.html pegasus kitchen faucet] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/fevbugda.html hot bikini model] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/computer-programming.html computer programming] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/arkansas-justin.html arkansas justin sheridan welch] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/cahent.html local weather] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/activation-keys.html activation keys for pinnacle studio 9] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/ornrcazar.html amatuer sex] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/sittab.html naked celebrites] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/lombardies.html lombardies] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?henermonc album allman band brother] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/tack-thumb.html tack thumb] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?domtataet amidosulfonic acid] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/fainfi.html doctorate degrees] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?boczar umpire cap] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/lataca.html white pussy] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?riccoc theological schools in london] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/mexpas.html great lakes airlines] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?carolno new red hot chili peppers album] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/militia.html militia] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?bugkosite information management conference] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/illinois-department.html illinois department of motor vehicle] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?sitfuracb no go area] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/indian-supermodels.html indian supermodels] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/dedomrac.html cam] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?basdar millikan carpets] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/one-review-tomtom.html one review tomtom] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/st-martins-paperback.html st martins paperback] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/viricrol.html full guitar pro 4 download] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/sunday-school-curriculum.html sunday school curriculum] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/ououhen.html portable computers] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/enbralc.html flight jacket] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/immigrate-canada.html immigrate canada] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/iframe-link-codes.html iframe link codes] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/circumcise.html circumcise] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/us.html us] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/relzsedel.html disney kids] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/enviroment-canada.html enviroment canada weather] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/lever-drag.html lever drag] [http://jointhefightforfreedom.com/files/pictures/img/ouwplz.html rubber sex] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/action-contract.html action contract item manager training] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/army-of-lovers.html army of lovers] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/chifunem.html ex girlfriend] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/bascarol.html wood furnace] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?fevcolid miami heat pictures] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/pasdep.html world currency exchange rate] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?bralendom posted pic girl] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/artificial-intelligence.html artificial intelligence graduate programs] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/porsche-sacramento.html porsche sacramento] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/naru.html naru] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/my-doorbell.html my doorbell] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/unijet.html unijet] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/protea-hotel.html protea hotel umhlanga rocks] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?noetrol workflow systems llc] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?relretro old elvis presley] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/bokoorel.html dunhams sports] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/east-knox-schools.html east knox schools ohio] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/area-miami-restaurant.html area miami restaurant] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/it-cant-rain-all.html it cant rain all the time movie quote] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/boc4tal.html girdles] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/web-hosting-package.html web hosting package cheap] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/office-2003-help.html office 2003 help] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/domboc.html penis enlargement devices] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/energizer-recharger.html energizer recharger review] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?caoufila 2006 bracket nebraska tournament wrestling] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/getwbocre.html halloween card] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/seo-companies.html seo companies] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/diamonds-loose.html diamonds loose] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/thermomter.html thermomter] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/tort-reform.html tort reform] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/medial-joint.html medial joint] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/type-of-lentil.html type of lentil] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/casatrne.html federal court cases] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/chew.html chew] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/adam-holmes.html adam holmes] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/nrnrpas.html consumer reports] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/music-software.html music software downloads] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/golrel.html how to repair leather] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/double-d-trailers.html double d trailers] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/little-pussy-com.html little pussy .com] [http://jointhefightforfreedom.com/files/pictures/img/c4terxtae.html model airplanes] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/zerumbet.html zerumbet] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/brdarkoxq.html wedding bouquet] [http://jointhefightforfreedom.com/files/pictures/img/zzelqasn.html car buying] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/turbonator.html turbonator] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/waggener-edstrom.html waggener edstrom portland] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/cts.html cts] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?zelsedwv 28 milwaukee volt] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/proposal-request.html proposal request secondary system water] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/racdef.html donne] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/help.html help] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/wailea-condos.html wailea condos] [http://jointhefightforfreedom.com/files/pictures/img/xbugfiwac.html multimedia] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/mens-pubic-hair.html mens pubic hair] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/famexf.html cheap wedding invitations] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/wimax-voip.html wimax voip] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/airline-continental.html airline continental reservation] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/cell-phone-rates.html cell phone rates] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/women-health-supplements.html women health supplements] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/purchase-line.html purchase line school website] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/kk.html kk] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/sitlideln.html pfizer viagra] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/gay-party.html gay party] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?basdronfo zin zin zin a violin] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/yahoo-education.html yahoo education dictionary] [http://jointhefightforfreedom.com/files/pictures/img/fac4tch.html exchange rates] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/make-a-crossword.html make a crossword puzzle] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?qassedta wilderness ride kayak for fishing] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/sabatourismcom.html sabatourism.com] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/moby-lines-ferry.html moby lines ferry] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/josh-kelley.html josh kelley] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/rolc4tqas.html gay latin cock] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/anal-huge-penetration.html anal huge penetration] [http://jointhefightforfreedom.com/files/pictures/img/nrrozelz.html high performance car part] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/songlyricscom.html songlyrics.com] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?dronfi omarion album o] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/telemarketing.html telemarketing calls cell phone] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?varnon nota simple] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/kim-and-ginnys.html kim and ginnys] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/pacific-warriors.html pacific warriors dogfight] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/quaacel.html maze ticket] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/the-cell-phones.html the cell phones history] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/nrbotro.html lilyette bras] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/easy-rider-girls.html easy rider girls] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/360-box-skin.html 360 box skin x] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/locnakosi.html driving map] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/rv-rent.html rv rent] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/nanny-new-york.html nanny new york] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?qasdelnrg sebastian lefebvre pics] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/runas-command.html runas command xp] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/ss.html ss] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/fokwell.html medicare complete] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/cans.html cans] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/business-education.html business education] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?indechir recipe apple pancakes] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/basgolpa.html sex tits] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/nina-whett.html nina whett] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/mesina-hof.html mesina hof] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/southwestern-christian.html southwestern christian college athletics] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/ms-office-97-free.html ms office 97 free download] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/uv-air-purifier.html uv air purifier] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/star-wars-photos.html star wars photos] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?zfevvifok westpac bank australia] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/darmonli.html paydayloan] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/pasc4tne.html cheapest fioricet] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/vicachiro.html rhianna] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/pllooloc.html gaymen] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/fowl-words.html fowl words] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/fuelcard.html fuelcard] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/rokoouc.html turkish airline] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/av-valve.html av valve] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/baslifev.html allergy] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?eltloric address of st johns catholic church in burlington iowa] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/the-used-pics.html the used pics] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?mondele promotional discount ab lounger fitness quest] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?henzarfa neosoul artist] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/hopeful.html hopeful] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/unbelievably-good.html unbelievably good deals and great adventures] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/tafaba.html free background checks] [http://outlooklifecoaching.com/board/images/smiles/?bocfachi laser therapy smoking is it safe] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/philps-mp3-players.html philps mp3 players] [http://funnyvideospictures.com//templates_c/tmp/vinorein.html video porno paris hilton] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/aim-icon-names.html aim icon names] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/allegheny-county.html allegheny county] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/alterimage-20.html alterimage 2.0] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/exotic-female.html exotic female muscle galleries] [http://wafel.net/wp-content/themes/01-dragee-10/images/icons/thumbs/acelmo.html small business] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/discounted-airline.html discounted airline tickets] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/colonial-furniture.html colonial furniture] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/naked-anime.html naked anime babes] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/simplicity-tractor.html simplicity tractor parts] [http://candycetaliafer.ifrance.com/lib/john-legend.html john legend ordinary people] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/nylons-stockings.html nylons stockings feet] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/superman-emblem.html superman emblem tattoos] [http://bethelbenedetti.ifrance.com/directory/large-format-printers.html large format printers] [http://janeneandrew.ifrance.com/islam-crusade.html islam crusade]
 
 
== Basic Soldering ==
 
== Basic Soldering ==
 
Required tools:
 
Required tools:
Line 6: Line 5:
  
 
Technique:
 
Technique:
Apply hot metal object to both surfaces that are to be soldered together.  Feed the flux-core solder into the joint from the side opposite the h.m.o.  Once enough solder has flowed, remove heat.
+
Apply hot metal object to both surfaces that are to be soldered together.  Feed the flux-core solder into the joint from the side opposite the h.m.o. (soldering iron) Once enough solder has flowed, remove heat.
 +
 
 +
If you have difficulty in holding two objects in place whilst you solder them try using the product "Blu-Tac" ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blu-tac]) or similar. Blu-tac is non-conductive and moderately resistant to heat (that said you can still burn it without a lot of heat, creating a bad smell, probably not good to breathe either)
 +
 
 +
The major advantage of Blu-tac over a vice or other mechanical holding option is that you can make infinitesimal adjustments with your fingers quickly and accurately.  
  
 
Preferred tools:
 
Preferred tools:
Line 13: Line 16:
 
Thin (fine-pitch) rosin-core solder.
 
Thin (fine-pitch) rosin-core solder.
 
Thinner solder melts more easily and allows more control over the joint formation than thicker solder.  Also note that you do not want to use plumbing solder or flux on electrical circuits as the flux in these solders are much more corrosive than rosin and will eat away the metal traces on your board.
 
Thinner solder melts more easily and allows more control over the joint formation than thicker solder.  Also note that you do not want to use plumbing solder or flux on electrical circuits as the flux in these solders are much more corrosive than rosin and will eat away the metal traces on your board.
 
 
  
 
== Advanced Soldering ==
 
== Advanced Soldering ==
Line 24: Line 25:
 
Solder suckers can be hand-held, pump-driven, and with or without active heating.  The basic idea is to heat the joint so the solder goes liquid, then apply suction to get the molten solder out of the joint.  The hand-held variety requires you to depress a spring-loaded plunger which fires when a button is pressed to create the suction.  The pump-driven variety is usually found on expensive soldering stations.  Some of these incorporate heated tips so that the melting and suction is done by a single device rather than two seperate ones.
 
Solder suckers can be hand-held, pump-driven, and with or without active heating.  The basic idea is to heat the joint so the solder goes liquid, then apply suction to get the molten solder out of the joint.  The hand-held variety requires you to depress a spring-loaded plunger which fires when a button is pressed to create the suction.  The pump-driven variety is usually found on expensive soldering stations.  Some of these incorporate heated tips so that the melting and suction is done by a single device rather than two seperate ones.
  
Solder braid is a rosin-loaded copper braid t
+
Solder braid is a rosin-loaded copper braid that is pressed onto a joint and heated so that the liquified solder flows into the braid.  Once impregnated with solder, the tip portion of the braid is useless and must be cut off.  Solder braid is quite prone to going "stale" and braid obtained from surplus sites is likely to not work very well.
1000
 
hat is pressed onto a joint and heated so that the liquified solder flows into the braid.  Once impregnated with solder, the tip portion of the braid is useless and must be cut off.  Solder braid is quite prone to going "stale" and braid obtained from surplus sites is likely to not work very well.
 
  
 
Other methods involve using a hotplate, a hot air gun, or a combination of the two in order to bring the solder just up to its melting point then plucking the chips out with tweezers.
 
Other methods involve using a hotplate, a hot air gun, or a combination of the two in order to bring the solder just up to its melting point then plucking the chips out with tweezers.
  
 
== Links ==
 
== Links ==
[http://www.elexp.com/t_solder.htm Electronix Express Soldering Tips]
 
  
[http://radiojove.gsfc.nasa.gov/telescope/soldering.htm Instructional Soldering Videos from NASA]
+
* [[skillet reflow]]
 +
* [[toaster oven]]
 +
 
 +
* the PIClist thread [http://www.piclist.org/techref/postbot.asp?by=thread&id=Looking+for+SMT+Prototype-suitable+solder&w=body&tgt=post "Looking for SMT Prototype-suitable soldering station"] has a few soldering iron recommendations, including
 +
** Weller
 +
** [http://www.ntscope.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=MTC&Product_Code=QK202D $130 Madell QK202D Soldering Station]
 +
** [http://store.sra-solder.com/product.php?xProd=6144&xSec=22 $40 Aoyue Basic Soldering Station 936]
 +
 
 +
* [http://www.elexp.com/Images/Weller_Coping_with_Lead_Free.pdf Electronix Express "Soldering tips and lifetime issues"]
 +
* [http://www.elexp.com/Images/Better_Soldering.pdf "Better Soldering"]
 +
 
 +
* [http://radiojove.gsfc.nasa.gov/telescope/soldering.htm Instructional Soldering Videos from NASA]
  
 
[http://www.inlandcraft.com/Uguides/tipfailure.htm InlandCraft Tip Failure Article]
 
[http://www.inlandcraft.com/Uguides/tipfailure.htm InlandCraft Tip Failure Article]
  
[http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/how_to_solder.htm Geofex.com How-To Solder]
+
* [http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/how_to_solder.htm Geofex.com How-To Solder]
 +
 
 +
[http://www.curiousinventor.com/guides/Surface_Mount_Soldering Video "How to solder SMD" from curiousinventor.com]
 +
 
 +
* [http://www.curiousinventor.com/guides/How_To_Solder Video "How to solder properly" from curiousinventor.com]
  
 
[[Category:Techniques]]
 
[[Category:Techniques]]

Latest revision as of 07:38, 7 December 2014

Basic Soldering[edit]

Required tools: Hot metal object (preferably with an insulating handle like in a soldering iron) Solder (preferably with rosin flux core)

Technique: Apply hot metal object to both surfaces that are to be soldered together. Feed the flux-core solder into the joint from the side opposite the h.m.o. (soldering iron) Once enough solder has flowed, remove heat.

If you have difficulty in holding two objects in place whilst you solder them try using the product "Blu-Tac" ([1]) or similar. Blu-tac is non-conductive and moderately resistant to heat (that said you can still burn it without a lot of heat, creating a bad smell, probably not good to breathe either)

The major advantage of Blu-tac over a vice or other mechanical holding option is that you can make infinitesimal adjustments with your fingers quickly and accurately.

Preferred tools: A temperature-controlled soldering iron/station. Please be aware that many cheap soldering stations and irons, even if they are adjustable, simply adjust the overall wattage feeding into the tip. This usually means the tip will still get just as hot at the lowest setting as at the highest, it just takes longer. Temperature control requires feedback which means a more expensive iron. Still, if you shop around, you can find lower-end temp-controlled irons for US$50-$60. The recommended temperature is around 380F for 63-37 (tin-lead ratio). This should be enough to completely liquify the solder without vaporizing the rosin flux. A too-hot tip will generate a sizeable white puff of vaporized rosin smoke when solder is touched to it. You want the rosin to flow onto the joint surfaces to clean them in preparation for melding with the solder, not in the air around the joint. Thin (fine-pitch) rosin-core solder. Thinner solder melts more easily and allows more control over the joint formation than thicker solder. Also note that you do not want to use plumbing solder or flux on electrical circuits as the flux in these solders are much more corrosive than rosin and will eat away the metal traces on your board.

Advanced Soldering[edit]

The "Packaging information" thread has a few tips for soldering surface-mount (SMT) components: SOIC (1.27mm/50 mil pitch), SSOP (0.65mm pitch), TQFP (0.50mm-0.80mm pitch), and MLF/QFN (0.50mm pitch).

Desoldering[edit]

Solder suckers can be hand-held, pump-driven, and with or without active heating. The basic idea is to heat the joint so the solder goes liquid, then apply suction to get the molten solder out of the joint. The hand-held variety requires you to depress a spring-loaded plunger which fires when a button is pressed to create the suction. The pump-driven variety is usually found on expensive soldering stations. Some of these incorporate heated tips so that the melting and suction is done by a single device rather than two seperate ones.

Solder braid is a rosin-loaded copper braid that is pressed onto a joint and heated so that the liquified solder flows into the braid. Once impregnated with solder, the tip portion of the braid is useless and must be cut off. Solder braid is quite prone to going "stale" and braid obtained from surplus sites is likely to not work very well.

Other methods involve using a hotplate, a hot air gun, or a combination of the two in order to bring the solder just up to its melting point then plucking the chips out with tweezers.

Links[edit]

InlandCraft Tip Failure Article

Video "How to solder SMD" from curiousinventor.com