Modding Help

[xiAstro1ix]

Hello all, I'm Astro.
I'm actually pretty new here and to the whole modding experience.
I've done a mod in the past, a MW3 controller with blue LED's 17 mode rapid fire and installed a custom 9mm ABYX button kit that has LED's in it.
That's about as far as i've gotten, but i want to do more.
I'm looking to find out what Soldering Tool i should buy, believe it or not I used a small flat head over my stove for the modding i spoke of above, and now that Halo 4 is coming out i'm going to be getting that H4 console and i want to mod the hell out of my controller, i just don't know what to purchase.
I'm going to be doing simple Button, Thumbstick and ROL LED mods, nothing to crazy, and i know how to solder.
Any idea on what i should purchase?
Nothing makes sense on google, in terms of what to buy for 360 controller modding.
And do they make soldering guns that will dispense solder? I hate having to hold it xD.
Thanks again, not sure if this is the right place for it but yea.
Acid mods looks like a fantastic site btw.

[Gizmo613]

I've used radioshack soldering iron for over 11 years now. My last iron lasted 7 years. It was a 30 watt iron. It takes about 2-3 minutes for it to fully heat up. Make sure your tip is tinned(tip is lightly covered in solder). That way you won't need to hold the solder wire in your hand.

[xiAstro1ix]

Can you give me a must have shopping list of basics i will need to begin my modding experience?

[Gizmo613]

Soldering Iron 15w-30w
Rosin Core Solder Wire .20 dia
Solder Sponge/Brass Coil for cleaning iron tips.
Tweezers since your gonna be working with leds.
De-soldering Braid (optional)
Steady Hands and most of all PATIENCE!!


It's a fun learning experience if you let it be.

[SixtyninNaMoose]

Radioshack 30watt soldering irons are a cheap option but work well as long as you clean properly after every use.
Those were the 1st ones I ever when I started modding 2 years ago, I eventually upgrade to the Radioshack digital station. Keeping the tip clean is important no matter what iron you have, as it will not get hot enough Also in my opinion the Radioshack desoldering iron works better than desoldering braid.

[xiAstro1ix]

Money isnt so much the issue, it's quality, i want something thats doing to last more then 1 or 2 jobs. Each time i solder with a cheap one idk if i'm doing something wrong or what, but the solder wont stick/melt and i end up having to push hard as hell on the iron to get the solder to melt T-T.
I'm looking on ebay for soldering kits, does this look like something i might be alright getting? http://www.ebay.com/itm/MASTER-APPLIANCE-SOLDERING-KIT-TORCH-HEAT-TOOL-UT-20K-MULTI-TOOL-BUTANE-POWERED-/180946921719?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a2146e8f7#ht_481wt_1185
It looks snazzy, i like the idea of cordless and don't mind refilling with Butane.

[cobi_vw]

If money isn't a problem and you are looking for top quality, I'd suggest something like a soldering station where the temperature is adjustable.  Check this Weller: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Weller-Solder-Soldering-Station-WESD51-50-Watt-Digital-Adjustable-NEW-/380469820361?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5895c4bbc9

[xiAstro1ix]

That does look promising but i don't want to spend 140$ on something i may use seldomly haha, what do you think about the one i posted in the link above? I know the butane ones get from 30-70watts or so, which shouldnt be to hot? It's adjustable but obviously not digital controlled xD.

Looking at the Iron above, it's equal to 10-60W iron depending on the levels i push the butane to.
I'm buying it, it looks handy

[cobi_vw]

Looking at the Iron above, it's equal to 10-60W iron depending on the levels i push the butane to.
I'm buying it, it looks handy

That tool looks pretty legit. It's pretty versatile too. 

[Modded Matt]

do not use a butane torch for soldering controllers and small components.  and as a beginner, you dont need anything expensive,

[xiAstro1ix]

Why is a butane torch a bad idea? It is a soldering tool as well, i have multiple attachments tips, it turns into a soldering iron/blow torch and heat pen

[Modded Matt]

good luck.

[Rodent]

do not use a butane torch for soldering controllers and small components.  and as a beginner, you dont need anything expensive,

I agree with Modded Matt


here is what i use very cheap and easy to use


15 watt soldering iron $7.99
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062728&znt_campaign=Category_CMS&znt_source=CAT&znt_medium=RSCOM&znt_content=CT2032236

Solder paste $6.99
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049774&znt_campaign=Category_CMS&znt_source=CAT&znt_medium=RSCOM&znt_content=CT2032236

Desolder braid (just incase you never know when you might need it)$4.19
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062744&znt_campaign=Category_CMS&znt_source=CAT&znt_medium=RSCOM&znt_content=CT2032236

Solder  $3.89 i couldn't find the exact stuff i use but i use a 60/40 rosin solder from radio shack usually aroun $3.00
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062719&filterName=Type&filterValue=Solder


so right around $25 at Radio shack can get you started they also have leds and other small componets that we use here on the site, for certain mods.

[Modded Matt]

LOL Rodent, I have all of those products on my desk.

[Rodent]

LOL Rodent, I have all of those products on my desk.

see cheap stuff does work i have stock in all that stuff even spare soldering irons. never know when you need stuff .....lol

[nEoVaLoR]

Why is a butane torch a bad idea? It is a soldering tool as well, i have multiple attachments tips, it turns into a soldering iron/blow torch and heat pen

DO NOT get a butane iron. go to radioshack and get a 15 or 30w iron. get a couple spare tips. that's all you're going to be needing.

anyone else on this site with experience will agree with me.

[drummerdude]

Desolder braid (just incase you never know when you might need it)$4.19
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062744&znt_campaign=Category_CMS&znt_source=CAT&znt_medium=RSCOM&znt_content=CT2032236

What is better to use? a solder braid or a de-soldering iron? I have the radioshack desoldering iron but it can be frustrating sometimes. When would I use a desolder braid over a desoldering iron?

[frenulem - No.5417]

Braid is a little harder to get used too, late time i used it was a few years ago so my memory is shady, if the desolder iron isn't working might as well try braid tho and helping hands are just so...Helpful, invest in some

[SethMods]

I'm echo-ing Matt and Rodent.

Butane can cause problems because the temperature is going to be dependent on the pressure which changes over time. Also having a soldering iron set too hot causes the tip to oxidize very quickly.
Also butane  is going to vent a lot of exhaust gases straight up. I once caught a headliner on fire in a limo because I was too lazy to pull an extension cord and do it right.

The #1 rule of soldering is "Keep your tip clean". And for the new guys "clean" means that the tip is shiny. It should look like melted silver.

Radio Shack has a canister of tip cleaner that is pro.


And contrary to what you might think intuitively less is sometimes more when it comes to soldering. If you are going to be soldering small parts then stick with a 15 watt iron. The 30 watt is just going to cause you to have to clean your tip more often.

If you are anything like me you are going to do it your way no matter what advice you get. Just make sure to come back to this post for some tips if you run into problems and get frustrated.

There's been some really good advice posted.

[SixtyninNaMoose]

Hey guys what is a good temp to run? I now know why my tip is not heating right, its oxidized. dur lol I'm running my iron at 800 degree's, I thought that it just wasn't hot enough. I now understand.

[Luigus]

Hey guys what is a good temp to run? I now know why my tip is not heating right, its oxidized. dur lol I'm running my iron at 800 degree's, I thought that it just wasn't hot enough. I now understand.

I run mine at 300degrees, 350 max.

[xiAstro1ix]

-sigh- Okay you guys know best, i went ahead and emailed the guy on ebay and advised of the advise ive been given that the tool isnt something i should use because it will get too hot, i noted if it has an adjustable knob then i should be alright but if it doesnt then i need to cancel my payment.
Good thing it's an E-check so it hasnt processed and he can cancel it and return the money before it goes anywhere.
It looked so nice too.

edit:
So looking at what links i was provided earlier, what is solder paste used for? Is that to clean my tool or to help it solder better? In what cases should i use it?
I was trying to find a basic soldering tutorial for the most specifics of soldering i'm not aware of, but didnt find a basic one on the site.
I'm wondering if that soldering iron is a little too cheap, i mean i'm a novice solder-er, i know how to do it and such, i've had very bad experiences with the radio shack ones, and i'm not sure if its from improper use or they just suck.
Solder not sticking to tip, having to push down really hard on iron to get anything to melt, eventually just tossing into trash and using a flat head screw driver heated over a stove repeatedly <.<


[gmod]please do not double post 5% warn given[/gmod]

[Rodent]

The list i gave you , is everything i use, alot of people that are new to soldering always say "I can't get the solder to stick" The Solder doesnt want to melt"

I quote " when soldering or getting ready to solder make sure you plug the soldering iron in and let the heating element inside get hot , a 15 watt iron is more then enough to melt the solder. that is pretty much all i use"

2nd of all Make sure you use the flux to clean your tip and the area your soldering.. and tin all your wires or components before soldering to another ,  this makes it easier to solder and you should only have to touch it  with the lightest touch of the soldering iron, leaving it too long will just suck the solder to the Soldering Iron.

[Gizmo613]

I feel a simple video showing preheat, tinning the tip and cleaning is needed here. When you say you had to press hard, are you trying to use the pointy tip to solder. Most tips are cone shaped, make sure to press on the cone part if the tip and not the pointy end.

[xiAstro1ix]

I like the simple video of preheat tin and and cleaning will be needed here haha.
I did let it heat up, im thinking it might be because i was using the tip, or because i failed to clean it properly.
When you say tin everything, do you mean put solder paste onto it all lightly to help it create a joint better? And the flux goes on when the tip is still hot or cooling down, do i use a damp sponge aswell?
I think ive used the tip aswell, i havent used the cone portion. Things are all starting to make sense now xD