Category

Soldering

Category
Workbench Wednesdays

Difference between flux (for soldering)

Often I hear this question: “how can I get better solder joints?” Without looking at anything they are doing, I already know that they could be using more flux. Or, as I point out in this video, perhaps the correct type of flux!

Flux removes oxide layers, gets contaminants out of the way, and makes for better solder joints. But there are so many different types of flux and even more ways to apply it.

This video goes over the different types of Rosin (R, RA, RMA), Resin, Organic, and Inorganic flux. Then it shows what kind of residue gets left over. And explains why “NO Clean Flux” actually needs to be cleaned (in most cases).

What is No Clean Flux?

In the video, I make the bold statement that “no clean” is not a type of flux. I know some people will take issue with that. However, based on the IPC chart for flux bases, “no clean” is not one of them. And if you look through datasheets, you’ll find lots of variations of what manufacturers call “no clean.”

From what I can tell, “No Clean” flux is generally a Non-activated or mildly activated Rosin or Resin type. The remaining residue is non-conductive and non-corrosive. So by that general definition, many fluxes can be marketed as “No Clean.”

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Workbench Wednesdays

Health and Solder Fumes | Workbench Wednesdays

An overlooked danger of electronics soldering is the fumes. While the smell and smoke may not be pleasant, the chemicals in the fumes can be harmful. Is solder made with lead(Pb) your only concern? Learn about where lead-free solder came from, what different flux types mean, and two ways to keep your air (and your lungs clean.)

In the video, I show a cheap “smoke eater” and a professional fume extractor. There is a cost difference of $50 and $700 between the two. However, either is better than having nothing.

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Blog

Soldering Tool Upgrade Paths | Workbench Wednesdays

Right after the digital multimeter, or DMM, a soldering iron is a must-have tool for electronics work. Like most tools, there is a vast variety of options available. In this episode of element14’s Workbench Wednesdays, I look at a range of instruments from Weller. They offer everything from a cheap $10 “fire starter” (sorry, it is what we call them!) all the way up to a full-blown surface mount rework station.

Whether you don’t have a soldering iron or you have a  $100 station, this video will show you options to consider when thinking about an upgrade.

After you watch the video, head over to element14 and tell me for you favorite solder tips! (Or your most burning questions!)

Send James your Solder Tips
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AddOhms

Standalone Arduino Turn-On and Debug

This AddOhms episode is part 3 of the “design your own Arduino” series. In this one I populate a bare PCB, reflow solder it, debug a few issues, and load the Uno bootloader. Originally, I designed 2 versions of the board. One version contained an error that I planned to fix in the episode. Well, turns out, the “correct” board had two issues which were more interesting.

Check out the #27 show notes for links to a bunch of stuff in the episode, including the design files.

Watch on YouTube

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Blog

My Modular Soldering Station for the Space Limited

modular soldering station

Solder is the glue of electronic circuits. In addition to a permanent mechanical connection, solder provides an electrical connection. Not too much unlike glue solder combines two separate metal pieces with a bonding material. In this case, the bonding material is a metal or allow with a relatively low melting point.

When soldering together a circuit, the quality of the solder joint is crucial. Most people probably recognize the need for a high-quality soldering iron, like the FX-888D from Hakko, but about the other tools?

Building a modular soldering station is just as critical to making good solder joints as the actual solder itself.

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