CS 3651 – Prototyping Intelligent Appliances

Home Soldering

Georgia Institute of Technology

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Materials - Soldering Irons – Conventional

Temperature ControlledMore expensive but not unaffordable

Power controlledWatt rating

15W about right for small electronics – even a bit hot in some casesSome are switchable

Battery PoweredAllegedly about 15W effectivelyPortable, no cord, lightHeat conductive tip lowers risk of burns

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Materials – Soldering Irons (cont.)

Cold HeatActivated when low resistance on the tipVery heat conductive material on the tip – runs small current until connection, then higher currentElectrical resistance of solder and tip causes heat

Different techniqueBattery poweredOnly hot when soldering or immediately afterNot good for desolderingFragile

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Materials – Solder – Kinds of Solder

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Kinds of Solder (cont.)

LeadSlower solidifyingLowers melting temperatureReliabilityPoisonousRoHS

SizeChemical ratio

Unspecified and 60/40 or 63/37 -> likely tin / leadOtherwise, typically not specified or materials namedbecause many other combinations exist

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Materials – Accessories

GripsSoldering involves attaching two metal parts together – so there will always be 4 parts involved:

Object AObject BSolderSoldering iron

Solution: stabilize at least 2 of them (or 3?)PliersChip ClipsVice Grip“Helping Hands”

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Accessories (cont.)

SurfaceSpongeMousepad

Heat Sink / ClipStandsExtension cord (!)

Note: low wattageTips

Size/ShapeWattageConnection

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Concepts

Tinning the ironWhen first using the iron or when coating is wearing offProtects the tip from corrosionBetter heat flow

Too Much HeatMelt the solder

May need to prepare surfacesResult not as solid, but often good enough

AccessoriesTipsLower Power

Electrostatic dischargeEveryone seen anti-static bags? Static + electronics = badTry to avoid generating it (no wool socks, etc)Anti-static wrist strapsDon’t touch the iron!Many irons are already grounded

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You can do it!

The end