How to Solder Soldering must be learned from practice, it cannot be learned through bookwork Key factors affecting solder quality: Cleanliness Temperature Time Coverage

Cleanliness The iron tip must be clean It won’t solder dirty parts Old components and copper boards are hard to solder It repels the molten solder DIRT is the enemy!

Soldering Rules 1. KEEP THE SOLDERING TIP CLEAN!!! Immediately before you use it, wipe it clean. After use, place it in the holder – the solder from the solderingoperation should keep the tip tinned.

Soldering Rules Make sure that the objects being soldered are clean. The cleaner they are the easier they will be to cut and the less chance there is that they will become damaged.

Keep parts clean! Oxidation! Dirty! You can use a small handheld file to reveal the fresh metal underneath.

Keep Things Clean When Soldering a dirty surface people sometimes use to much heat. This does more harm then good. It is not possible to burn the contaminates away. Could harm the semiconductors.

Temperature Temperature Try to keep a constant temperature among all parts because… If all parts are same temperature solder applies easier Remember: Touch iron tip to all parts before applying solder Melting point of solder: 188° C Melting point of iron tip: 330° C Try to keep a constant temperature among all parts If all parts are same temperature solder applies easier Touch iron tip to all parts before applying solder Melting point of solder: 188° C Melting point of iron tip: 330° C

Coverage A successful solder joint is a few millimeters for the average joint To much solder can short circuit with other joints To little solder and the component won’t be supported enough

Minimal solder!! How much solder? DO NOT cover the connection with a ball of solder Use just enough solder to “fill” the area between the elements Quality Connection Smooth, Shiny Poor Connection Dull, Blobby Clean the iron on a damp sponge before use

A Guide to Good Soldering Step 3 Make sure it is stable. There should be no way of jarring or movement between the soldered elements.

Soldering - After turning on, allow the solder to warm and then apply to the other side of the junction - DO NOT TOUCH THE SOLDER TO THE IRON - It will melt immediately and when finished allow it to cool off.

5. Hold the component in place and apply heat to the junction with the shiny tip of the iron.

Examine the joint, it should appear clean and shiny - not dull or pitted.

Solder on a Fire Resistant Surface Protects the building from going up in flames (always a good thing) Examples: Dry wall Homasote (Wallboard of compressed recycled paper) Soldering mats (Rubber) Wesley Lok

Long Hair and Baggy Clothing All long hair and clothing must be tied back because it could catch on fire if it comes in contact with the soldering iron. If this happens, you could attain serious personal injuries.

DO NOT overload a wall outlet with too many electrical appliances

~Never Leave your Soldering Iron Unattended or Plugged In~ You should never leave your soldering iron plugged in, because someone could walk by and burn themselves. Also, if you leave your soldering iron alone, it could burn the school down.

Hot Iron NEVER set your hot iron down on anything OTHER THAN an iron stand. This is an actual soldering iron burn

Wear Eye Protection! Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris, tools, and any dangerous materials Eye protection is a key to safety

Ground Your Soldering Iron Make sure you properly ground your soldering iron or you could short out the circuit. This can cause of fire or serious injury.

Never solder a live circuit, be sure all power is disconnected

TEH SOLDERING IRON IS HOT To prevent burning your fingers, use needle nose pliers or heat gloves to hold small parts Don’t touch the end; most solders melting point is 370F, the tip is around 626F – 662F In simple terms, DON’T TOUCH THE TIP YA MORON!