[1000mp] Soldering iron

[Ian White, G3SEK]

Bob Main wrote:
>For those of you who have made the different mods to these rigs, other 
>than my 200W soldering gun, what would you suggest I get to work on 
>these circuit boards?  I have ideas, but prefer to hear what you have 
>to say.
>

* Thin silver-loaded solder - regular thickness adds too much solder.

* Thin (1/8in) de-solder braid - for when you still add too much solder. 
It's also great for removing all kinds of components from boards.

* A good pair of tweezers, that won't cross over and flick SMD 
components all over the room.

* Spare SMD components - for when you flick them across the room. 
They're cheaper than wire-ended components, these days.

* A good work light.

* Good eyes, or good help. For occasional SMD work, I use the 
drugstore's strongest half-moon glasses, over the top of my regular 
pair.

* A clear working area - so you can concentrate 100% on the job at hand. 
Think how surgeons work...

* Something to rest your arms or elbows on, so you need only to keep 
your hands steady. Seen under the magnifier, your hands will steady 
themselves remarkably.

* Lay off the coffee and Coke for a few hours before - it makes a big 
difference.

* Practise first, maybe on a scrap computer card, until you're confident 
that you can remove and replace components without collateral damage. 
Then you're ready to use that 200W solder gun on the MP.


-- 
73 from Ian G3SEK         'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)

http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek