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=> Discussion Boards => General Discussion => Topic started by: Darkzero on December 01, 2008, 08:38:06 AM
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Hii, this is my first post :]
I kinda just lurk here, i've never needed to post till now.
I'm looking for a soldering iron that will work well with very small pins and wires. The previous iron i bought hardly got hot enough to melt the solder, it was a complete waste of money.
I'm having issues deciding, there's such a wide variety of irons and voltages/heat/ect. I don't have any experience in this field either, so i figured it'd be best to ask at a site that has a wide userbase of console modders.
Thanks for any help :]
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For most console modding needs, a 15w will work fine. You can get one from Radioshack for about 10-15 bucks. If not, you can buy one from the acidmods shop here: www.acidmods.com/shopusa (https://www.acidmods.com/shopusa) for 10 bucks plus about 5 bucks shipping.
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I'd suggest on top of that to get a dual watt soldering iron (I got a 15/30) and I got mine for 15ish from the source.
Reason I say dual watt is because depending on the type of solder (solder containing silver for example) the 15 watt iron may not work all too well.
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You can get something alot better than a radioshack for 40.
Radioshack irons aren't too good.
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Hey Alien, what's a good brand you recommend for a better soldering iron? Probably won't buy one now, but later I probably will upgrade.
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Hmmm
Well different price ranges, but any of these
Hakko/aoyue/jbc/pace/metcal/weller
probably a few more
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Sweet, thanks. Know anywhere where I could buy them?
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ebay, surplus MOD, anywhere that sells electronics equipment.
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Hmmm
Well different price ranges, but any of these
Hakko/aoyue/jbc/pace/metcal/weller
probably a few more
Dont forget antex, they are great :D
I have a huge industrial 150w Variable temp soldering station with desoldering gun
200 to 500 degrees celcius
and desoldering gun is like 300 to 600
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Cool, What brand - antex?
Antex are pretty good too, but in a different league entirely to metcal, jbc and pace
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Not to rain on anyone's party but I use a Radio Shack 15watt for most of my stuff and its two years old, I swap tips once every 3 months. I have plenty of other irons all with different wattage and uses but most of the time I use old trusty..
Weller is another good iron you can get them anywhere. :#1:
You don't need a 1500.00 Solder Station to be pro...
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im gonna get a cordless from micro-mark they sell a ton of micro tools just google them
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im gonna get a cordless from micro-mark they sell a ton of micro tools just google them
I don't recommend it...
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I have said this countless times before but I recomend weller, I have a 50w station that is ancient yet it still works like new and new tips are easy to get your hands on. Get a well known brand because then you can find new tips without hassle. I wouldn't trust any battery powered or gas powered iron.
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I have said this countless times before but I recomend weller, I have a 50w station that is ancient yet it still works like new and new tips are easy to get your hands on. Get a well known brand because then you can find new tips without hassle. I wouldn't trust any battery powered or gas powered iron.
Yeah im using the same 10$ iron since i started soldering.
And, Cordless Irons= SUCK.
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i used to use a variable temp soldering iron but honestly the best one ive ever used is the one neubit sent me, the kind he used to sell in modding kits
i added a switch to it so i can leave it plugged in
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Not to rain on anyone's party but I use a Radio Shack 15watt for most of my stuff and its two years old, I swap tips once every 3 months. I have plenty of other irons all with different wattage and uses but most of the time I use old trusty..
Weller is another good iron you can get them anywhere. :#1:
You don't need a 1500.00 Solder Station to be pro...
Who said you did?
It is all about efficiency, and quality.
Have fun desoldering QFPs & BGAs.
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Have fun desoldering QFPs & BGAs.
So I said pro right. :) Well I bet you that 97% + of the people here will never ever need to desolder QFPs & BGAs. For thouse of you that don't know What a QFPs are, their IC's that have many pins on all four sides, sometimes 300 pins in total. The only way safe way to remove them is to use a Specialized heat gun (found on high end solder stations) BGA's are IC's where the pins are under the IC.
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i think he knows full well that about 97% of members dont know what QFPs and BGAs are.
It makes him look smarter than everyone else, that's the only reason he said it.
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i think he knows full well that about 97% of members dont know what QFPs and BGAs are.
It makes him look smarter than everyone else, that's the only reason he said it.
Yeah, I mean, not for the reason that I de/solder these IC packages on a regular basis, and as such a hot air soldering iron is a must.
Anyway, let's disregard your comment, before alien says some things that aren't very nice to say to a kiddy.
Nico:
Radio shack irons are all very well and good for moderate use, and they are a good starter iron ( I started off with a cheap equivalent all those years ago) , but for continuous usage the heating element is inefficient, and the lack of different tip styles for these "starter" irons is the biggest problem - I wouldn't even attempt to drag solder a QFP ( a translation for properbritish - Electrical circuit chip) with one of these irons.
Another thing, you need to adjust the temperature of an iron for the type of solder, and type of componant/connection which you are going to be soldering, this is the same when you are desoldering, doing this gives you optimal joints, and good heat transfer - Even without a solder heat bridge.
Would be nice to hear your input though.
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i wasn't trying to cause offence, don't patronise me ¬_¬
noone interested in console modding as a hobby needs to know about using QFPs and BGAs, just basic ICs, such as the LM386 for the sound mod. cos to a lot of our members modding is a hobby.
our R&Ds looks at more advanced chips, but even so i dont think any mod would require chips of that calibre.
for a modder a cheapo radioshack 15W would fit the bill nicely.