[sdiy] advice for a beginner

[Seb Francis]

Scott Gravenhorst wrote:
> I don't believe that FatMan synths are RoHS, but if they are (or most importantly
> yours is), you need an RoHS soldering iron and solder.  If you use solder/iron that
> matches the technology used, there will be no corrosion.
>
>   

This isn't really good advice IMO.  RoHS PCBs and RoHS components are 
backwards compatible with non-RoHS solder.  Therefore if you use 
non-RoHS (i.e. lead/tin) solder then you will be fine when soldering old 
or new technology.  The only exception to this is re-work of stuff 
previously soldered with RoHS solder - in this case it's best to use 
RoHS solder.

Additionally (especially if you are new to soldering) you will find it 
much easier to solder with non-RoHS (lead/tin) solder as (a) it flows 
and wets much better, and (b) it melts at a lower temperature which 
reduces the risk you will damage components by prolonged heat exposure.

Take care when buying solder at consumer/high-street electronics shops 
as very often (in UK at least) they will only stock RoHS (lead free) solder.

Seb