The art of soldering

Nodge68 · Jul 25, 2019

gstuart said:
Many thks, sorry to hear of ur struggles , must be extremely frustrating

Managed to find some lead solder with the rosin core, threw away the old bit of wire I was using and ordered some new rolls

Along with having the soldering helping hands stand it should make life easier

Should have everything by next week and can then start fresh

Enclosed a pic of the terminals I tried to solder, is a pack of 10 x aux sockets so this is a new one

Thks again

View attachment 185185 View attachment 185186

Those terminals will solder just fine. Brass is a good metal to solder. The silver terminals will be chrome plated, which does take leaded solder, but needs to hot (over the melting point of the solder) and well fluxed.

I'm building a solar generator at the moment and will be soldering the wires for the power sockets directly to the terminals (one being brass, the other chrome plated.
I use a reasonable quality Chinese solder station, with a 3.2mm tip fitted. The temperature I'll use will be 350°C (my iron is calibrated) and I'll be using standard 60/40 leaded solder.

gstuart · Jul 25, 2019

Nodge68 said:
Those terminals will solder just fine. Brass is a good metal to solder. The silver terminals will be chrome plated, which does take leaded solder, but needs to hot (over the melting point of the solder) and well fluxed.

I'm building a solar generator at the moment and will be soldering the wires for the power sockets directly to the terminals (one being brass, the other chrome plated.
I use a reasonable quality Chinese solder station, with a 3.2mm tip fitted. The temperature I'll use will be 350°C (my iron is calibrated) and I'll be using standard 60/40 leaded solder. View attachment 185217

Thks so much for the added info, really grateful and surprising how much I’ve learnt , ordered the leaded solder with the added flux so should make life a lot easier along with the helping hand stand to save me struggling trying to hold everything

Must admit haven’t calibrated my soldering iron, did u just use an infrared thermometer to check it plse , haven’t as of yet seen any calibration screw on this workstation

That sounds a great project , any more piccies plse , later I’m going to get a solar panel to keep my aux battery topper up whilst away camping etc

Have got some roof rails so thought of getting a fold up one and fix it on the roof, unfolding it when required , plus if I don’t use the vehicle for a month can easily allow the solar to keep the aux charged and with the T max I have fitted can link the batteries via the button controller if the crank battery gets low

Thks again

Brown · Jul 25, 2019

One thing I try and do when soldering is use the workpiece to melt the solder rather than the tip of the soldering iron or the gas flame. Then you know the workpiece is at the right temperature. Otherwise the solder just beads up and won't stick. I have occasionally found that wires or terminals have some sort of lacquer or coating on them that impedes adhesion. So a bit of work with emery paper or wire wool is helpful.

gstuart · Jul 25, 2019

Hippo said:
You don't need to go to leaded solder. You wouldn't notice the difference with or without lead. Lead free just needs a slightly higher temp. Industry has managed without lead for over 20 years. Buy solder with flux already in it as it's less messy.

If yer soldering iron tip is long and pointy then heat won't travel to the end of the tip, as hot as you want. Turning up the heat won't solve this. When yer try to use it the heat at the end will dissipate out the tip leaving it not hot enough as there's little metal to supply constant heat. A thicker tip is better for this type of work.

As others said above. Melt solder onto the tip. Then tin the wire. Then tin the terminal. Then solder them together.

Hi buddy

Can only comment on heating when it comes to leaded and lead free solder , massive difference with how they run inside fittings , personally found the lead free to be horrible

Alas don’t know when it comes to soldering as I’ve not used leaded solder before but would assume the leaded will run better

Indeed ordered some leaded solder with the flux inside

Nodge68 · Jul 25, 2019

gstuart said:
I’m going to get a solar panel to keep my aux battery topper up whilst away camping etc

You need one of my solar charge controllers for that.

gstuart said:
Must admit haven’t calibrated my soldering iron, did u just use an infrared thermometer to check it plse , haven’t as of yet seen any calibration screw on this workstation

I used a calibration device like this

,but a K type thermo couple plugged into a meter or flue gas analyser will accelerate enough. If the solder station has buttons and a digital display, then temperature calibration is done in the software, normally by holding a button to activate calibration mode. I've found most imported solder stations are miles out of calibration.

gstuart said:
That sounds a great project , any more piccies plse

It's a work in progress, but basically it's a large pile of 18650 Lipo's giving over 350 Wh of energy in a box, with car power sockets, USB sockets and 2.1mm power sockets, with all the necessary electronics to make it all work.

Once I've finished, I'll do a video for YouTube, so you'll be able to see it there.

gstuart · Jul 25, 2019

Nodge68 said:
You need one of my solar charge controllers for that. View attachment 185227

I used a calibration device like thisView attachment 185226

,but a K type thermo couple plugged into a meter or flue gas analyser will accelerate enoug. If the solder station has buttons and a digital display, then temperature calibration is done in the software, normally by holding a button to activate calibration mode. I've found most imported solder stations are miles out of calibration.

It's a work in progress, but basically it's a large pile of 18650 Lipo's giving over 350 Wh of energy in a box, with car power sockets, USB sockets and 2.1mm power sockets, with all the necessary electronics to make it all work.

Once I've finished, I'll do a video for YouTube, so you'll be able to see it there.

Oh wow , that looks extremely impressive and well over my head, look forward to the u tube video when finished plse

Have got a K thermometer and gas analyser , just got to find them, lol

I’ll have another look at the workstation to see if I can find a calibration screw or in the instructions

Many thks once again

Nodge68 · Jul 25, 2019

gstuart said:
Oh wow , that looks extremely impressive and well over my head

It's a solar charge controller, which I do in kit form. It's designed to maintain a safe battery voltage without any possibility of the solar panel overcharging, which it would do if the controller wasn't fitted. My kit is designed for 12 volt lead acid batteries, and up to 100 Watts of solar panel.

gstuart said:
look forward to the u tube video when finished plse

I will add the video to my channel, when I've completed it.

gstuart · Jul 25, 2019

Nodge68 said:
It's a solar charge controller, which I do in kit form. It's designed to maintain a safe battery voltage without any possibility of the solar panel overcharging, which it would do if the controller wasn't fitted. My kit is designed for 12 volt lead acid batteries, and up to 100 Watts of solar panel.

I will add the video to my channel, when I've completed it.

Hiya

That sounds awesome and if u do sell them Plse pm me as I’ll buy one from u in the next few months

As I’ve got the t max twin battery set up every month I need to plug my ctek in to recharge the batteries , main is 100 amp leisure is 75 amp, both lead batteries

Was thinking of using a controller via a solar panel to keep them both topped up, however I think it gets a bit complicated if the t max relay will allow solar to charge both

So then thought maybe it would be better to keep my aux battery topped up via solar inc having the option depending on circumstances if I can swap the solar over to my main battery

Therefore when at home and not using the disco can keep the main battery topped up via solar and then when away camping etc can use the solar for topping up the aux battery

Apologises reply is so long winded and makes sense

Many Thks, look forward to that video when you’ve finished it

gstuart · Jul 25, 2019

By the way , This was the work station I got , buttons that say cal are just to turn the heat up and down, one for the soldering iron, other , hot air gun

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8582D-2-...dering-Iron-Phone-Repair-220V-R-/132878292031

Just looking through the instructions to see if there’s a calibration setting , will see how the figures compare first via the K thermometer

Features:

1. Microcomputer PID control the temperature accurately to meet soldering requirement.

2. Hot Air Gun features high power, quick temperature rise, gentle wind and large air flow.

3. Soldering Iron adopts ceramic heating core, characterized with quick temperature rise and long service life.

4. Auto Sleep Function: Extends the life of soldering iron tip and heating core and prevent burnout.

5. Real time temperature display makes your soldering work easy.

6. Suitable for soldering, desoldering, heat shrinking, drying, paint removal, unfreezing, preheating, etc.

Specification:

Input Voltage: AC 220V

Plug Type: EU plug

Soldering Station:

--Model: 8582D

--Power: 750W (Max)

--Operating Environment: 0~40℃, <80%RH

--Storage Temperature: -20~80℃
--Size: 15*17.5*9.5cm / 5.9*6.9*3.7in

Hot Air Gun:

--Rated Power: 700W

--Temperature Range: 100~500℃

--Temperature Stability: ±5℃

--Air Flow: 120L/min (Max)

--Noise: ≤45dB

--Size: 23.5*5.5*4.5cm / 9.3*2.2*1.8in

Soldering Iron:

--Voltage: AC 24V 50Hz

--Output Power: 70W

--Soldering Iron Length: 22cm/8.7in

Dippypud · Jul 25, 2019

gstuart said:
By the way , This was the work station I got , buttons that say cal are just to turn the heat up and down, one for the soldering iron, other , hot air gun

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8582D-2-...dering-Iron-Phone-Repair-220V-R-/132878292031

Just looking through the instructions to see if there’s a calibration setting , will see how the figures compare first via the K thermometer

Features:

1. Microcomputer PID control the temperature accurately to meet soldering requirement.

2. Hot Air Gun features high power, quick temperature rise, gentle wind and large air flow.

3. Soldering Iron adopts ceramic heating core, characterized with quick temperature rise and long service life.

4. Auto Sleep Function: Extends the life of soldering iron tip and heating core and prevent burnout.

5. Real time temperature display makes your soldering work easy.

6. Suitable for soldering, desoldering, heat shrinking, drying, paint removal, unfreezing, preheating, etc.

Specification:

Input Voltage: AC 220V

Plug Type: EU plug

Soldering Station:

--Model: 8582D

--Power: 750W (Max)

--Operating Environment: 0~40℃, <80%RH

--Storage Temperature: -20~80℃
--Size: 15*17.5*9.5cm / 5.9*6.9*3.7in

Hot Air Gun:

--Rated Power: 700W

--Temperature Range: 100~500℃

--Temperature Stability: ±5℃

--Air Flow: 120L/min (Max)

--Noise: ≤45dB

--Size: 23.5*5.5*4.5cm / 9.3*2.2*1.8in

Soldering Iron:

--Voltage: AC 24V 50Hz

--Output Power: 70W

--Soldering Iron Length: 22cm/8.7in

View attachment 185241 View attachment 185242

I got one of those , it's ok if you're doing a lot of joint, easier to get the little Weller out if it's a dry joint touch up ...

Great for heatshrink tho, the hot air is amazing ...

gstuart · Jul 25, 2019

gstuart · Jul 25, 2019

Dippypud said:
I got one of those , it's ok if you're doing a lot of joint, easier to get the little Weller out if it's a dry joint touch up ...

Great for heatshrink tho, the hot air is amazing ...

U like it as well then, indeed see where ur coming from if ur doing just a few joints

Found that out ref the heatshrink, had to do a lot on the landy and indeed worked really well, like that u can adjust the air flow and temperature as well

Been researching if there’s a calibration for this unit , got to measure the soldering iron first to see how accurate it is

Starting plans to build a workshop bench in my spare bedroom and will be really nice having it all set up properly , along with all the other bits neatly stored so can find things when I want them

Just found that video so maybe it’s mentioned in there

gstuart · Jul 25, 2019

So just watched the video and indeed has 2 x calibration screws

Also mine came with spare soldering iron tips

gstuart · Jul 25, 2019

Took a quick screenshot of the 2 x calibration screws on the blue items, alas don’t know which one is which , easily find out when adjusting them

Thought adding the switch was a good idea , simple mod

Nodge68 · Jul 25, 2019

gstuart said:
That sounds awesome and if u do sell them Plse pm me as I’ll buy one from u in the next few months

The kits are on Ebay.

gstuart said:
By the way , This was the work station I got , buttons that say cal are just to turn the heat up and down, one for the soldering iron, other , hot air gun

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8582D-2-...dering-Iron-Phone-Repair-220V-R-/132878292031

Those are pretty generic Chinese work stations, sold under many different names. Mine is identical and sold under the Katsu name, but also under many more. To calculate, you hold both up and down buttons until the display changes to the calibration value. You then increment the number up or down, depending on the inaccuracy of the tip temperature. Mine overheated the tip by almost 100°C, so they do need calibration to be accurate.

gstuart said:
Starting plans to build a workshop bench in my spare bedroom and will be really nice having it all set up properly

This is my electronics workbench, notice the solder station on the RHS.

gstuart · Jul 25, 2019

Nodge68 said:
The kits are on Ebay.

Those are pretty generic Chinese work stations, sold under many different names. Mine is identical and sold under the Katsu name, but also under many more. To calculate, you hold both up and down buttons until the display changes to the calibration value. You then increment the number up or down, depending on the inaccuracy of the tip temperature. Mine overheated the tip by almost 100°C, so they do need calibration to be accurate.

This is my electronics workbench, notice the solder station on the RHS. View attachment 185249

Many thks

Very jealous of the setup u have there, can’t wait to get mine built and everything organised , bench will be 8 x foot long x 30 inches deep

By the way , Wheres the kettle , lol

have u got an eBay link plse for the kits , thank u

Just watched the video and he took the cover off and there are 2 x calibration screws, is it best to use the same method u describe via the front buttons or use the screws please

Blimey , 100c , u wouldn’t have thought it would be out that much , will certainly do that whilst I’m waiting for my leaded solder etc to turn up, will then know 100% it’s setup right

Also ordered one of those helping hands like you’ve got, should make life easier

Can’t thk u enough john for the great help , thank u sooooo much

Nodge68 · Jul 25, 2019

gstuart said:
Very jealous of the setup u have there, can’t wait to get mine built and everything organised , bench will be 8 x foot long x 30 inches deep

My electronics bench is 4' X 2' with the shelf on top, with concealed LED lighting under the shelf, and a goose neck LED spot for close up work.

I also have a multi position camera mount above the bench for doing videos.

gstuart said:
By the way , Wheres the kettle , lol

I use a flask, or drink beer.

gstuart said:
have u got an eBay link plse for the kits , thank u

I'll PM you my Ebay link and YouTube channel.

gstuart said:
Just watched the video and he took the cover off and there are 2 x calibration screws, is it best to use the same method u describe via the front buttons or use the screws please

I don't think those are for temperature calibration, as the temperature calibration is done in software.

gstuart said:
Blimey , 100c , u wouldn’t have thought it would be out that much , will certainly do that whilst I’m waiting for my leaded solder etc to turn up, will then know 100% it’s setup right

100 °C is enough of a difference to burn up the tip and burn out element, if left for long periods.

gstuart said:
Also ordered one of those helping hands like you’ve got, should make life easier

Helping hands are very helpful.

gstuart said:
Can’t thk u enough john for the great help , thank u sooooo much

You're welcome.

gstuart · Jul 25, 2019

Nodge68 said:
My electronics bench is 4' X 2' with the shelf on top, with concealed LED lighting under the shelf, and a goose neck LED spot for close up work.

I also have a multi position camera mount above the bench for doing videos.

I use a flask, or drink beer.

I'll PM you my Ebay link and YouTube channel.

I don't think those are for temperature calibration, as the temperature calibration is done in software.

100 °C is enough of a difference to burn up the tip and burn out element, if left for long periods.

Helping hands are very helpful.

You're welcome.

Thks john

Have just tried all combinations of pressing the buttons to no avail, have just taken the cover off to see what u think with clearer pics ref those screws

Maybe I’m doing something wrong for it to not enter calibration mode , all it does it raises or lowers the temperature regardless of which pair / set I press

Thks, will keep an eye out for the link

That bench I imagine took a long while to finally get it how u wanted it

Don’t know why I didn’t buy one of the helping hands before , also ideal with it having the led lit magnifying glass

Few piccies for u

Thks so much for this, very grateful kind sir

Nodge68 · Jul 25, 2019

gstuart said:
Have just tried all combinations of pressing the buttons to no avail, have just taken the cover off to see what u think with clearer pics ref those screws

That's interesting. Mine is definitely calibrated using the buttons. Yours even says cal in the box between the buttons, as does mine.
Maybe the software is different between yours and mine, although can't think why.

There's a video on YouTube about calibration of these solder stations. I'll see if I can find it.

Mine is the same inside, but I only checked the ground wires for integrity, and didn't pay attention to the adjustments on the board. Helping hands are useful, I've a couple of sets, one with the magnifying glass, one without.

Nodge68 · Jul 25, 2019

Nodge68 said:
There's a video on YouTube about calibration of these solder stations. I'll see if I can find it.

Here you go. Big Clive played with a similar solder station, and worked out the calibration. Mine calibrated in the exact same way is this, even though the station is a different design. Presumably the software is the same on all these cheap solder stations.

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