Topic: Likely silly question about soldering

[saratogaWX]

So, it's been many years since I did electronic assembly, and back then it was 60Sn/40Pb rosin core solder and whatever temperature melted it well for a glossy finish.  Here's the somewhat silly question I'd like some feedback on:

What temperature do you set your soldering iron for and which solder do you use for the PC board assembly of the Blitzortung kit?

Thanks for your advice.

Ken

[SLOweather]

hi Ken. I set my soldering iron for about 650 degrees. And I use the technical solder or whatever they call it from Radio Shack. It's got a little bit of silver in it. It's really fine gauge.

[saratogaWX]

Thanks Chris.. I think you're using http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062717 which is a 62Sn/36Pb/2Ag formula with a 650F/343C iron temperature.  My Hakko FX-888D (fresh from Fry's) can handle that

[dfroula]

Agreed...I use 650 degrees on my Weller temperature controlled station for the fine stuff.

[Cutty Sark Sailor]

Used my ancient Weller WP18, rated at 600... worked fine with the proper needlepoint...
Don't forget to use Anti Static measures!

[saratogaWX]

dfroula and Cutty Sark Sailor, which solder do you use/prefer?

60Sn/40Pb, 63Sn/37Pb, 62Sn/36Pb/2Ag, 100Sn ?  All rosin core, I presume

Got the anti-static mat and wrist connector

[Cutty Sark Sailor]

I had some 26ga rosin core, with a tad of silver left over from my career, Labels are long gone, but it's cored with rosin... Key item is a teeny point, and new tip. don't forget to ground the tip! on my wellers, I loosen one of the screws and attach a wire... If your tip is gonna be too hot, wrap a few turns of 12/14 ga solid copper wire around it tightly.
I was confused on my iron, after checking. I didn't use the WP18... used a WP20, since it had the ground already rigged on it.. (I'm not talking about the newer WPS series, my WP series irons are 25-35 yrs old.)
I think Don used a different flux.
Several use temp controlled stations...

[wxtech]

Me also at ~575°F to 650°F.  63/37 melts at 360°F.   Below 700°F its soldering, above 700°F its called brazing.  Above that, it's welding. 
I too like the Radio Shack solder.  It flows well.  I'll sell you some 0.035" Indium alloy solders for $10.00 per inch.
Interesting off subject:  I recently bought some stained glass lead flux which is Oleic acid.  It's a fatty acid from animal or vegetable sources.  It is usually refined from olive oil.  Next time you eat the olive oil, remember that it's a lead cleaner.

[miraculon]

dfroula and Cutty Sark Sailor, which solder do you use/prefer?

60Sn/40Pb, 63Sn/37Pb, 62Sn/36Pb/2Ag, 100Sn ?  All rosin core, I presume

Got the anti-static mat and wrist connector

I used 400C on my soldering station, a bit higher than others here. I like a little more heat for the sockets, ethernet connectors, etc. I could back it down to 300C for the other joints, but I control it with soldering time making quick joints just long enough to flow.

I personally detest "lead free" solder (100% tin). It doesn't flow well, needs a lot of heat and makes matte-finish solder joints. I used 60/40 myself.

Greg H.

[miraculon]

One additional comment. Get some "Solder Wick" for those inevitable solder shorts. It makes it much easier to rework/repair the goof.

Greg H.

[Jumpin Joe]

So, it's been many years since I did electronic assembly, and back then it was 60Sn/40Pb rosin core solder and whatever temperature melted it well for a glossy finish.  Here's the somewhat silly question I'd like some feedback on:

What temperature do you set your soldering iron for and which solder do you use for the PC board assembly of the Blitzortung kit?

Thanks for your advice.

Ken

Ken, thanks for asking the questions. It has been decades since I have done any PCB work.

Thanks to everyone else for providing the answers.

[saratogaWX]

One additional comment. Get some "Solder Wick" for those inevitable solder shorts. It makes it much easier to rework/repair the goof.

Greg H.

Thanks for all the responses.  I will use 63/37 solder I bought (also have the wick and solder spudgers ready for my goofs, even a Chipquick SMD removal kit if catastrophe happens).

Soooo many years since I've done PCB work too, Joe and again, thanks for the helpful responses!  I'm sure to have more questions after the kit arrives.

Best regards,
Ken

[SLOweather]

3 t'other things...

Get a flux pen, like a felt marker with flux liquid in it. I find it makes soldering easier and faster to flux the board first.

Binocular magnifiers are great for aging eyes to see the small SMD pins.

And, a 10x loupe is handy for inspections.

[miraculon]

I almost forgot. After soldering, I used a can of "Flux Off" with the brush. It leaves the board nice and clean without flux residue.



Greg H.