Hi All,
I'm just starting the build for my FM board and I am not confident about the smallest SMD parts. I've watched the video but I still think it's a bit too "extreme soldering" for my capabilities.
Is there anyone in the midlands area (I'm near Derby) who can help or any volunteers in the UK I could get to attach the smallest ICs for me? I am OK to do all the other bits.
Happy to pay costs et cetera.
Many thanks
Mark
G0MGX
Any extreme soldering assistance available?
Re: Any extreme soldering assistance available?
Just to follow up on this; I received an off-forum offer of assistance from G4OHV but following some email exchange....
The conclusion has been that the cheap and nasty ebay sourced flux I was using was the problem. A decent flux pen from Farnell and the whole thing has become far easier so I'm off and running.
The conclusion has been that the cheap and nasty ebay sourced flux I was using was the problem. A decent flux pen from Farnell and the whole thing has become far easier so I'm off and running.
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Re: Any extreme soldering assistance available?
Glad you solved this issue.
For others having the same issue...
The way I've been taught to do these is cover the pads in flux from a pen (a good one like the OP found out).
Then do the corner pins to hold it in place.
Then just drag your iron over all the pins one side at a time using just a smidgen of solder. Preferably use the thinnest solder you can find as you really don't need much.
If any pins short with a solder blob you can some times just drag it away from the pins. If that doesn't work solder-wick it off, re apply flux and try again. You probably won't need any more solder as you likely used too much to start with.
Finally, clean with a good flux cleaner and ensure the board is dry before applying any volts.
I does take practice so don't expect to get it right the very first time.
at 2:24 of the following video shows this technique but they seem to be limited on flux where I suggest being quite liberal with it.
NB. I have no connection to the video, just found it on youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uiroWBkdFY
For others having the same issue...
The way I've been taught to do these is cover the pads in flux from a pen (a good one like the OP found out).
Then do the corner pins to hold it in place.
Then just drag your iron over all the pins one side at a time using just a smidgen of solder. Preferably use the thinnest solder you can find as you really don't need much.
If any pins short with a solder blob you can some times just drag it away from the pins. If that doesn't work solder-wick it off, re apply flux and try again. You probably won't need any more solder as you likely used too much to start with.
Finally, clean with a good flux cleaner and ensure the board is dry before applying any volts.
I does take practice so don't expect to get it right the very first time.
at 2:24 of the following video shows this technique but they seem to be limited on flux where I suggest being quite liberal with it.
NB. I have no connection to the video, just found it on youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uiroWBkdFY
Bob G1XIE / M0AJZ