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Wattage for instrument circuit board soldering
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Author:  DART68 [ Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:34 am ]
Post subject:  Wattage for instrument circuit board soldering
What is the ideal/safe soldering iron wattage for soldering electrical connections on the instrument curcuit board? I don't want to melt anything, but want a solid/strong connection. I'm also looking to install my solid-state insrument voltage regulator in the same way as on this site. www.demonivr.com Is there any problem mounting the the solid-state vr this way?

Thanks-Dart68
Author:  supton [ Mon Dec 31, 2007 6:43 am ]
Post subject: 
I'm not familar with this circuit board, but a 25W iron might do the trick. Too little heat usually leads to damage. I usually use temperature controlled 40W irons, around 700-710F for most work; and change tips depending upon the size of the joint, rather than crank the temp up. Large work I go to a 100W iron.

I took a look at that unit, and I'm wondering what you need the iron for? Is it to solder the wires down? That unit looks like it comes with ring terminals suitable for connection. Without looking at the circuit board, I'd be worried that it was a flexible sort that would not take to soldering temperatures at all.
Author:  MiDi [ Tue Jan 01, 2008 2:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
anything more than a 35W iron is too much and will dammage it.

after being an electronics tech for many years i only use a 25 or 27W iron.
some solder paste/flux helps a ton and also make sure you clean the work area well so the solder sticks
Author:  dakight [ Wed Jan 02, 2008 3:25 am ]
Post subject: 
Do not use acid core solder or acid flux. Be sure that all the materials are suitable for electronic components. Clean everything first to remove dirt and corrosion. A pencil eraser works well of flat suraces. You can also use the "Scotchbrite" abrasive pads or steel wool. Steel wool tends to shed fibers so be sure to thoroughly brush or blow all the debris away afterwards.
Author:  440_Magnum [ Wed Jan 02, 2008 5:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Wattage for instrument circuit board soldering
Quote:
What is the ideal/safe soldering iron wattage for soldering electrical connections on the instrument curcuit board? I don't want to melt anything, but want a solid/strong connection. I'm also looking to install my solid-state insrument voltage regulator in the same way as on this site. www.demonivr.com Is there any problem mounting the the solid-state vr this way?

Thanks-Dart68
Too little wattage on the soldering iron can be just as bad (or worse) than too much because you have to hold the heat on the board for so long. For a typical cheap soldering iron, I would use about a 30-watt. At work we've got Metcal soldering irons that can put a few hundred watts to heat quickly, but they're temperature regulated. Just tap the work and the solder flows immediately so that you don't have to hold the iron on the part for too long. I've gotten spoiled, but no way can I afford a $500 soldering iron for home use... :?
Author:  supton [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 4:57 am ]
Post subject: 
I have one of these:
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307
Seems to work ok. Others have commented that the tip that comes with it isn't great, but since the iron is a Hakko knock-off, replacment tips are easy to come by. Works good for home electronics.
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