Soldering

[John Pavlick]

Nat,
 Use a good high output iron for starters. Ideally one with temperature
control (like a Hakko or Weller solder station). It's better to use a lot of
heat for a short time, rather than sit there with a 15 watt iron for 20
minutes. You'll do more damage with the 15 watt iron. Also, a lot of people
seem to overlook this fact: heat from the iron travels UP. To make a good
connection, put the tip of the iron on the bottom side of the contact, start
melting solder on the top side after it warms up, then place the wire on top
of the contact  / melted solder. If you can (sometimes you need 3 hands)
feed in just a little solder to the pre-tinned surfaces (contact and wire).
This makes a good strong joint. If you're using electronic solder (rosin
core) you almost don't need any flux, although sometimes it does help to
transfer the heat and make the solder flow nicely. Just make sure you wash
everything when you're done even if you don't use flux (use flux remover - I
think you can still get this at Radio Shack). If you don't, the joints will
corrode even if you shrink wrap them. In time, the wire will break. Good
luck, take your time and remember the joint should look pretty. If it
doesn't it's probably "cold" and it WILL fail.
John Pavlick
http://www.idseng.com


  -----Original Message-----
  From: discussion-request at nsrca.org [mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org]On
Behalf Of Nat Penton
  Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2005 12:11 PM
  To: discussion at nsrca.org
  Subject: Soldering


  I'm having difficulty getting a solder job that I'm proud of using Deans
Ultra connectors and wet noodle wire. Any comments would be appreciated.

  Worried about reduced capacity.
                                                        TIA         Nat

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