Hello all, My first post (been a bit of a lurker), so im hoping this is the best place to post this, couldnt really see anything more fitting. Basically i am looking to learn to solder, ive had some past experience but it was quite a while ago now, so its probably best to categorize me as a novice. My main aim in the end is to be able to work my way up to a respectable standard to mod both my ps1 5552 and my ps2, but im in no rush to do this, just a little hobby. I was wondering after reviewing some of the fantastic installs by jinn and others, what you would recommend based on your experience is the best way to develop and learn, im not looking to rush into attempting to modchip any of my console and am happy to buy some scrap boards for practice. Also out of curiosity from any of the UK guys, where do you find the best place to source flux, kynar wire and de-soldering braid? Generally when i move onto bigger better things i would be looking for quality but reasonable prices. I have a couple of other questions if anyone with experience can answer: Is it worth tinning the tip using solder, or is it better to buy something like tip tinner? What type of flux is generally regarded as the most suitable for working with modchip installations? Also i have just bought - BK 2000+ BlackJack SolderWerks digital soldering station based on recommendations from posts on here, just wanted opinions if i need any different tips or out the box this should be fine, heres a link where i ordered from, if this is against the rules im sorry: http://www.circuitspecialists.eu/bk-2000-blackjack-solderwerks-digital-soldering-station Sorry the post is quite a big one, if anyone has any recommendations id really appreciate it. Also love the forum, your knowledge is astounding and has kept me up late quite a few nights reading continuously!
Practice! Read up on good soldering practice (you might find a book like the old Babani ones at your local library) and practice it. Read my sticky on sources - I think in the repair forum. Any supplier is decent on that list. Why do you want flux, though? It's only for reflowing, really. Clean old solder (either with a sucker or desolder braid, which is flux impregnated if it's good stuff) then apply fresh. It's rosin flux if you MUST use some yourself, but you don't need to if you're soldering correctly. Horrible, messy stuff! Whatever you want. Tip tinner in a tin IS solder. It's easier in a way... but you need a holder with a damp sponge and keep wiping the tip clean. See above. For installing a modchip - none! Solder is flux-cored. For a soldering iron, don't faff about with different tips. It's not a great idea to be constantly changing them. Standard chisel tip is fine.
there are quite a few books you can get. also there are some fairly good videos on youtube. also, practicing on old electronics can be helpful. ive owned my weller wesd51 for almost 10 years and i like it. but personally depending on what i solder, i do use various tips and having my adjustable magnifying setup helps out. just get in there and read, watch and practice. you will get the hang of it in no time.
You seem to have bought a decent station. This makes a huge difference vs a cheap radio shack iron. Soldering is an art that is more diverse than you would think at first glance. There are many techniques and all have their specific applications. From controlling iron tip temperature to the use of flux, it is amazing how some soldering jobs that seem super hard to pull off can become very easy once you know a proper technique to do it. My best advice is to practice on some junk first and do not be afraid to ask specific questions about soldering. Each job is different and what technique is the best for a given job might depend on what tools you have.
Practise on junk boards, watch videos on youtube, practise some more on junk boards, watch videos on youtube. Keep on doing that until you feel comfortable with it.
The best you can do is practice on any old electronics you may have lying around. You seem to have a decent iron so you should be good in that aspect. Just practice desoldering and soldering components off and on a board. What you are looking for is that you don't damage the component or the board in the process. Also make sure your iron is hot enough before you start trying to solder something and make sure the leads you are soldering have enough time to heat up before you touch the solder to them. This makes for a good solder joint.
Also, use the solder to transfer the heat, don't just jam a dry iron in there. Make sure everything is nice and clean (scrub it with a toothbrush + whatever cleaning chemical (I use IPA mostly).
Get some junk PC motherboard and practice desoldering the parts like capacitors and other SMD parts and then solder them back. For mod chips find tiny vias or any vias in general and practice soldering to them and practice soldering wire to SMD caps without removing the cap (psx and ps2 chips will require these skills).
