is the solder im using good?

[Nass]

the solder i am using to attach my wires to my flex drive and diode is 40% tin 60% lead is that good? also im just using the solder.. should i be using anything else? thanks..

 

[Reaper2164]

yes i was just digging up the same question. the best to use is Rosin Core solder. It has a flux inside that helps alot. oh and 40 tin / 60 lead is good.

 

[rpaloalto]

60,40 is the standard solder, for general electronic components. It is fine for what we are doing here.
You could always use a little flux. It can help your solder stick better, if your parts are not super clean. Or if you need to do a quick readjustment. Comes in handy if you need to retouch your original work.

 

[Reaper2164]

Also It may be a good idea to tinn the tips of your wire before you solder, It creates a better heat flow getting the job done faster. There are plenty of threads on how this is done.

 

[photonaholic]

I just remembered a trick I use sometimes.

If the legs of the components are oxidized (dull looking) Scrape them till shiny with a #11 xacto knife.

Clean the PC board until the copper shines like a freshly minted penny.

Shiny parts free from oxidation solder quickly and firmly with less chance of a bad connection.

 

[Nass]

ok cool... thank you all for your help.. also one more.. is flux the solder paste stuff?

 

[lasersbee]

Solder Flux is typically Rosin Flux... Solder Paste contains solder and flux
and is used to assemble Surface Mount components to a Printed
Circuit Board.... although some use the term Solder Paste to refer to Flux..

What you want is Rosin Core Solder...

Sn63 Flux Solder Wire for Electronic Craft 0.5mm on eBay.ca (item 350287096288 end time 06-Dec-09 00:54:41 EST)

or get some flux to use with the solder you already have...

50g High intensity Soldering Solder Flux Paste ZJ-18 on eBay.ca (item 250541767149 end time 06-Dec-09 00:17:35 EST)

BTW... Using Flux is extremely important if you don't want to make
cold joints (bad electrical connections)...


Jerry

 

[Nass]

ahhh... i c.. thank you very much jerry.. i think i have some of that.. gonna have to check my garage when i get home.. at work now >_< lol