[sdiy] The case of the sticky solder pt. 2

[René Schmitz]

John Blacet wrote:
> I would certainly suggest trying another roll of solder.

Maybe a different brand even.

I don't understand the fondness of Kester 331 anyway. To me its a bit 
frightening to use an agressive flux, even if it can be washed off easily.

I use ordinary electronics solder (alpha metals) that works fine even 
without cleaning at all. Its made for that. Unless you're in the realm 
of fempto amperes, or you're in tropic conditions, you don't really have 
to worry.

The stuff should start to flow when it gets to the tip, provided your 
tip is clean. If its making a lump then something is wrong. Not the 
right temperature, dirty tip, or simply not the right solder.

I'm applying a small amount of solder to the tip first, then clean it 
with the sponge, it should be metallic all the way, with a thin coating 
of molten solder. Then you heat the pad maybe 1-2 seconds, the tiny 
amount of solder on the tip does increase the area through which the 
heat must flow, and then once the pad is heated you apply the solder to 
the point where the tip touches the pad.

Cheers,
  René

-- 
uzs159 at uni-bonn.de
http://www.uni-bonn.de/~uzs159