I used the hot plate method for my MC head amp charge pump - really small parts! I failed the first try and had to use a fresh board. This is the second attempt, but it still required cleaning a solder bridge and iron touchup.
I agree with SomekPoland - good flux (and more than you might think is needed), and a good iron with small tip and some practice, and that can work very well.
I agree with SomekPoland - good flux (and more than you might think is needed), and a good iron with small tip and some practice, and that can work very well.
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When in doubt... Drown that bitc..h in flux. I'm using temp of around 330C for my soldering using classic 67/33 and Cardas Eutectic solders.
1. Put flux
2. Tin one pad of the part that you want to solder, choose something in the corner
3. If your flux got burnt, or doesn't look good: wipe it and add fresh flux
4. Hold the part in the tweezers and solder that one pin you got prepared. Make sure to position the part properly - it's crucial
5. Add more flux
6. Solder the rest of the pins one by one. I like to use 0,1mm solder, or something around that
7. Wipe the flux, inspect the job
8. If there are solder bridges between pins: use flux and try to wipe it with soldering iron's tip. If there are pins that aren't soldered well, use flux and add a bit more solder.
9. If last step is troublesome, use soldering wick (or cable's screen) with flux to remove extensive solder.
1. Put flux
2. Tin one pad of the part that you want to solder, choose something in the corner
3. If your flux got burnt, or doesn't look good: wipe it and add fresh flux
4. Hold the part in the tweezers and solder that one pin you got prepared. Make sure to position the part properly - it's crucial
5. Add more flux
6. Solder the rest of the pins one by one. I like to use 0,1mm solder, or something around that
7. Wipe the flux, inspect the job
8. If there are solder bridges between pins: use flux and try to wipe it with soldering iron's tip. If there are pins that aren't soldered well, use flux and add a bit more solder.
9. If last step is troublesome, use soldering wick (or cable's screen) with flux to remove extensive solder.
I too have used Cardas "Quad Eutectic" solder. It is a "secret" alloy of lead, tin, silver and copper. I tend to stay away from secret enchanted audiophile products, but this solder is wonderful. It flows beautifully - must be the magical flux - and it is easy-ish to clean up too.
Further Cardas booga-booga is their series of instructional videos "Soldering with Jesus". Fortunately, "Jesus" is their technician, whose name is pronounced "Hay-soos".
Further Cardas booga-booga is their series of instructional videos "Soldering with Jesus". Fortunately, "Jesus" is their technician, whose name is pronounced "Hay-soos".
Already have the solder, but that sounds like good advice. I haven't been using flux to avoid the cleanup but.....
@SomekPoland Your description is pretty much what I watched on YouTube, but short, sweet and to the point!
Kind of lgad that I posted, you guys have really driven home the importance of flux!
Kind of lgad that I posted, you guys have really driven home the importance of flux!
No sweat! Get a thin solder, something below 0,5mm. It is very easy to overdo and add too much solder to the connection.
How can it be when I search for this Mogami W2529 as indicated in the BOM:
"1 Umbilical Cable 3 conductors + optional shield Mogami W2549, Canare L-4E6"
It shows up like 2 conductors + screen?
https://mogamicable.com/category/bulk/microphone/quality_balanced/
It should be 3 conductors + screen?
Also Audiophonics shows it as 2 + 1?
https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/bala...ced-interconnect-cable-033mm-o6mm-p-4937.html
What have I missed?
"1 Umbilical Cable 3 conductors + optional shield Mogami W2549, Canare L-4E6"
It shows up like 2 conductors + screen?
https://mogamicable.com/category/bulk/microphone/quality_balanced/
It should be 3 conductors + screen?
Also Audiophonics shows it as 2 + 1?
https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/bala...ced-interconnect-cable-033mm-o6mm-p-4937.html
What have I missed?
+1 on DebK's recommendation.
For the SMD work I use a hot air station. I ended up getting a dual station, and it looks like it's on sale now. The kit comes with some nice extras, too.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T9JJZG7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also use the Chip Quik solder paste.
It's mesmerizing to watch the solder melt and the component snap into place when using the paste and the hot air.
Consider getting a practice kit if it's your first time working with SMDs. Here's an example:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HPSRXJ0/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also got this lighted PCB holder with a magnifying glass. This is extremely helpful.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09JWF2M66/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s02?ie=UTF8&th=1
For the SMD work I use a hot air station. I ended up getting a dual station, and it looks like it's on sale now. The kit comes with some nice extras, too.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T9JJZG7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also use the Chip Quik solder paste.
It's mesmerizing to watch the solder melt and the component snap into place when using the paste and the hot air.
Consider getting a practice kit if it's your first time working with SMDs. Here's an example:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HPSRXJ0/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also got this lighted PCB holder with a magnifying glass. This is extremely helpful.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09JWF2M66/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s02?ie=UTF8&th=1
You guys
that kit looks like sweet and I'll probably regret this, but after watching Mr SolderFix solder SMDs etc. I'm gonna give it a go
Mine is similar in features but bigger and clunkier, and now not working, so thanks for this option!
I've found the various restrictor tips to be critical in controlling the heat distribution - same with you, Randy?
@debk: which do you use? I see they have many different mixtures/types. I've only used the Chipquik desoldering kits - thank you for the pointer to their products!