[DaveLat]

Hi everyone , Having just had another evenings racing ruined by chip issues I have decided to have a go at the MIH Chip upgrade. One vital requirement is a good fine tipped soldering iron and good quality solder. I would love to know what people use in this regard and how they rate them.

many thanks, Dave

 

[300SLR]

I use an 15 watt Antex iron, had it for years, there's a good range of tips available so you can use the right size to get into tight spaces.
22 g solder is good for delicate jobs, the thicker stuff tends to give too much solder for that use.

A bigger iron is needed for bigger jobs, but that's another story.

 

[chris99]

QUOTE (300SLR @ 22 Aug 2011, 23:49) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I use an 15 watt Antex iron, had it for years, there's a good range of tips available so you can use the right size to get into tight spaces.
Hi
What size of tips do you use for PCBs?

Cheers,
Chris

 

[300SLR]

QUOTE (chris99 @ 23 Aug 2011, 07:08) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>What size of tips do you use for PCBs?
I've got several different size tips. Which one I use depends on the PCB, The tip should be small enough to solder one joint at a time, you don't want it bridging onto the next pad. For very delicate components I use the smallest I tip they do, for components with heavier wires a bigger tip is better.

 

[DaveLat]

Thanks for the reply 300slr, Is the watt rating relevant to soldering to pcb`s?

 

[300SLR]

That's about the watt rating that comes with the right size bits unless you want to go up market. Antex also make 12 and 18 watt irons which would do just as well.

A higher wattage temperature controller iron is suitable for production line pcb work, but that's quite a lot more money and not necessary for hobby use.

 

[nitro]

check mappins, their top of the line variable temp 60w solder station is half price at the moment.....£39.99.

 

[DaveLat]

Hi nitro is that model suitable for pcb soldering work?

 

[nitro]

i suppose so, its got power & variable temp.....just got mine so not used it yet.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/60w-professional-l...otection-511927

 

[Ade]

hi
the bit in the advert you are looking for is this:is capable of soldering onto surface mount devices...<SMD>