soldering problem

Home / the12volt's Install Bay / Car Audio / soldering problem (

Topic Closed)

Welcome Guest :)

Members

< Prev Topic Next Topic >

spilot

Copper - Posts: 90

Joined: January 26, 2005

Location: United States

Posted: May 02, 2005 at 11:17 PM / IP Logged

i ran into a little problem when i started soldering today. i can not seem to get that thin layer on the tip of my iron, it keeps rolling off. it worked yesterday for the first time, but not anymore. i wiped the tip real well with some wet cloth, doesn't seem to have any dirt or anything on it...what could be the problem...

ps. every time i touch the tip, it extracts some black liquid, and then it rolls up...maybe i should try different solder?

Steven Kephart

Platinum - Posts: 1,737

This member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Audio and Video. Click here for more info.

This member consistently provides reliable information

Joined: November 06, 2003

Location: Oregon, United States

Posted: May 02, 2005 at 11:41 PM / IP Logged

The black liquid I would guess is the rosin core of the solder. It cleans the surface that you are soldering. As long as it heats up whatever you are soldering thoroughly enough, I wouldn't worry about the tip of the soldering iron not being perfectly tinned.

Steven Kephart

Adire Audio

auex

Platinum - Posts: 5,041

This member has made a donation to the12volt.com. Click here for more info.

Joined: December 23, 2002

Location: Arizona, United States

Posted: May 02, 2005 at 11:59 PM / IP Logged

You could also try using a tip tinner like this Rat shack has some.

Certified Security Specialist

Always check info with a digital multimeter.

I promise to be good.

Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.

spilot

Copper - Posts: 90

Joined: January 26, 2005

Location: United States

Posted: May 03, 2005 at 12:52 AM / IP Logged

I wouldn't worry about the tip of the soldering iron not being perfectly tinned.

that's the thing, it doesn't stay on the tip at all, it just rolls right off. (i start at low temp.)

and yeah, that tip tinner looks good. will see if they have it at home depot, perhaps? thank you for replies.

Steven Kephart

Platinum - Posts: 1,737

Joined: November 06, 2003

Location: Oregon, United States

Posted: May 03, 2005 at 2:37 AM / IP Logged

What are you trying to solder? What you want to do is touch the soldering iron to the thing you want soldered and add a little solder to provide a good thermal coupling. As soon as it gets hot enough, the solder will pull in, and you can add more solder until there is enough.

Steven Kephart

Adire Audio

Velocity Motors

Moderator - Posts: 12,488

This member has been recognized as an authority in Electrical Theory. Click here for more info.

This member has been recognized as an authority in Fabrication. Click here for more info.

This member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Security and Convenience. Click here for more info.

Joined: March 08, 2002

Location: Manitoba, Canada

Posted: May 03, 2005 at 6:38 AM / IP Logged

Use thicker solder. I had the same problem when I solder boards on a PS2. Also, as suggested before, make sure that the surface taht your soldering heats up.

Jeff

Velocity Custom Home Theater

Mobile Audio/Video Specialist

Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Search for other posts by Velocity Motors

stevdart

Platinum - Posts: 5,816

Joined: January 24, 2004

Location: Pennsylvania, United States

Posted: May 03, 2005 at 7:34 AM / IP Logged

Sounds to me like the iron is not heating up to high enough temperature. It's getting warm enough to extract the rosin but not hot enough to pull the solder.

The iron on the soldering gun builds up with oxidation and loses some electrical contact with the gun. Loosen the holding nut, remove the iron and sand it to a copper color, then tighten it back into the gun. You should now get the proper electrical contact for full heat.

Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.

spilot

Copper - Posts: 90

Joined: January 26, 2005

Location: United States

Posted: May 03, 2005 at 10:11 AM / IP Logged

What are you trying to solder?

radio harness (16awg)

thanks for all the tips.

Sorry, you can NOT post a reply.
This topic is closed.

Printable version

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

Search the12volt.com

Follow the12volt.com

Disclaimer: *All information on this site ( the12volt.com ) is provided "as is" without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to fitness for a particular use. Any user assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and use of this information. Please verify all wire colors and diagrams before applying any information.

soldering problem

Sorry, you can NOT post a reply.This topic is closed.

Sorry, you can NOT post a reply.
This topic is closed.