Greetings everyone. I’ve been dabbling with audio upgrades and soldering for some time; however, I’m now doing a diy Dac project and need soldering advice. I use Cardas flux and solder (seems like there’s flux in the solder, also). While I always get great results, the flux remains on the board as a paste. I use a qtip and alcohol to clean off the flux, but, it’s tedious and time consuming. Is there a way to expedite the process?
Any and all advice appreciated!
Thanks,
John
Any and all advice appreciated!
Thanks,
John
This is the simplest way for hand soldering. Cleaning can also damage some parts.
Kester 245 Sn62/Pb36/Ag2 No Clean 1.1% Flux Core Solder Wire, 1 lb. Spools
Kester 245 Sn62/Pb36/Ag2 No Clean 1.1% Flux Core Solder Wire, 1 lb. Spools
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PCB cleaner and an old toothbrush works for me. You shouldn't need extra flux if your solder is rosin cored and the surfaces are clean and oxide-free. Clean straight after soldering, rosin hardens over time.
Unless a PCB is gold or tin plated or brand new (without fingerprints) it will need the oxide cleaned off as copper oxidizes in weeks rather than years. This is why commercial pcbs are normally tin or gold plated as standard.
Unless a PCB is gold or tin plated or brand new (without fingerprints) it will need the oxide cleaned off as copper oxidizes in weeks rather than years. This is why commercial pcbs are normally tin or gold plated as standard.
Ray a & Mark, thank you.
Yes, I tried soldering without extra flux, what’s in the solder is sufficient and makes less of a mess, as you suggest. The pcb’s are new, as are all the parts, seems no problem.
Thanks for the advice.
John
Yes, I tried soldering without extra flux, what’s in the solder is sufficient and makes less of a mess, as you suggest. The pcb’s are new, as are all the parts, seems no problem.
Thanks for the advice.
John
It can help to break up the flux first, using a toothpick or something that won't scratch the board. Then, spray on isopropanol, let it soak a while, and brush. Blow the dirty alcohol off the board and brush with compressed air. Spray on fresh isopropanol, brush, and blow dry again. This should be done outside where coating your surroundings with sticky flux residue isn't going to be a problem.
For cleaning up reworked areas, a q-tip dipped in isopropanol, and press and twist, then repeat with a clean end as necessary.
For cleaning up reworked areas, a q-tip dipped in isopropanol, and press and twist, then repeat with a clean end as necessary.
I use a good quality solder and get very little residue.
If its surface mount I use flux paste so that needs any excess wiping off.
If its surface mount I use flux paste so that needs any excess wiping off.
This remover is mostly alcohol but with a few extra ingredients to improve it. I've been using this for almost 20 years.
4140 - Flux Remover for PC Boards
It used to be available in 1 liter bottles but it appears you have to buy the aerosol now.
G²
In my industry we used an acid brush with the bristles trimmed down to around 6mm and dipped in isopropyl alcohol to gently scrub the board. We'd then follow up with an untrimmed acid brush again dipped in alcohol and a lint free tissue to clean up any remaining residue.
I bought a horse hair brush at my local electronics store for exactly that purpose. I use a flux cleaner made my MG Chemicals. I've used Flux-OFF as well.
For more information on solder and flux types, have a look here: Choosing Solder - Navigate the Different Alloys, Types of Flux, etc. – Neurochrome
You should not need extra flux if the solder already has flux in it.
Tom
For more information on solder and flux types, have a look here: Choosing Solder - Navigate the Different Alloys, Types of Flux, etc. – Neurochrome
You should not need extra flux if the solder already has flux in it.
Tom
You can wash them in a dishwasher. That's what one of my assembly shops used to do. I will also dissassemble keyboards and wash them in the dishwasher.
Turns out the MG-4140 is available in a 945 mL bottle. California regs want me
to water it down 3:1 but that's not going to happen. Waiting for the alcohol based
remover I tried some Acetone. None of the components I'm using are problematic
with Acetone which is some of the best defluxer I've used AND it's cheap.
G²
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