PAIA & kits - ametuer

[Martin Czech]

> My question is this:  b/c the soldering points are so close, I wonder if
> anyone can describe to me what a good solder joint looks like.  This is
> a lot more precise than wiring racks or making cables, and I just would
> like to know if my joints are as clean as they should be.  Should the
> solder point be a round bead?  Should the lead extend past the end of
> the solder joint?  How much lead in general is good to have sticking out
> the back of the PCB?  What are some common pitfalls?  Except where
> noted, I am assuming that all the components should be basically flush
> against the board.
> 
I'm no solder expert, but a solder point should look cone shaped and very
shiney, not matt grey. A matt solder point is a "cold" one, lots of
cracks in the crystals. A good electronic solder should also be used,
there's a lot of discussion about that in the  archive.

m.c.