Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 7:04 pm Post subject: Soldering Noobie
I went shopping today and bought a few new toys that I figured would come in handy with modding friends' and my systems.
I got a 15 watt grounded soldering iron, a vacuum desoldering tool, a spool of clear flux solder (60/40, .063 guage - looks pretty thick!), and a spool of silver-bearing solder (62/36/2, .022 guage).
I got the two types of solder because I remember reading somewhere that you need something with a flux core, or something about flux in general...
Is this what I needed, or was I to get the tub of messy gooey flux that you put on with a brush?
I got the smaller spool of silver bearing solder because it was called "High-Tech" and looked like the appropriate size for using in the Xbox.
Which (if either) would I be using for the X3 chip install? Could I use the same solder (or the other) for other workings in the box, like LED installs and such?
I also finally bought a Dremel (The MultiPro Model 395) and I freakin love it already. I just need about a thousand more attachments and I think I'm set for any job you can think of!
Shark2th Moderator
Joined: Nov 17, 2004 Posts: 5222 Location: Tennessee, USA
But seriously, I don't want to f#&@ up a new, awesome chip, that is so cool Fonzie would look like Poindexter standing next to it because I used the wrong type of solder.
If you help me out, maybe I'll let you go for a ride in my new Xbox...
Shark2th Moderator
Joined: Nov 17, 2004 Posts: 5222 Location: Tennessee, USA
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 7:31 pm Post subject:
I have to be honest. I did the mod solderless because I thought that the amount of time that it would take to get all the solder out of my V1.0, the Nextbox would be out and I'd still be cleaning up resin and stuff off the motherboard of my old Xbox.
I suspect that if realmccloy catches this post then he could tell you. He's got that sh*t down tight. _________________ http://twitter.com/HQ_Shark2th
custom-xmodz Xbox-HQ Freak
Joined: Aug 28, 2004 Posts: 796 Location: Wales, UK
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 7:43 pm Post subject:
Personal preference I guess but I rather de-soldering braid to the pump, much nicer to use.
You can use the same solder yes, I would use the flux solder for all jobs as silver solder can be a little tricky first time.
DJH
slick_j_2002 V.I.P. Lifetime
Joined: Oct 29, 2004 Posts: 273
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 8:13 pm Post subject:
Yeah, the stupid pump doesn't work.
I guess it's intended for removing large amounts of solder... I gotta run out to Radio Shack and get that braid...
slick_j_2002 V.I.P. Lifetime
Joined: Oct 29, 2004 Posts: 273
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 9:11 pm Post subject:
Just thought I'd let you all know that the braid works great, it just takes some time to get the technique right.
I have 4 of the ports cleared, and getting the rest cleaned up should keep me occupied this evening. Just a quick question:
There's some clear residue left around the edge of the holes after heating them up. I'm guessing it's something in the solder. Does that need to be all cleaned off, or is it harmless? It's not going to cause any problems with short-circuiting or anything, is it?
Okay, I'm out for a bit. Chat at ya' later.
custom-xmodz Xbox-HQ Freak
Joined: Aug 28, 2004 Posts: 796 Location: Wales, UK
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 9:15 pm Post subject:
hiya
Yeh the braid is much better when you get used to it, cleaner too.
The residue is just flux in the solder, it won't cause any short circuits but it may not make a clean contact sometimes, I always use circuit board cleaner afterwards to remove any residue, it's fairly cheap
DJH
funkydopeloven Xbox-Hq Genius
Joined: Nov 30, 2004 Posts: 1942
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 11:25 pm Post subject:
wish i had a Dremmel, instead i used a butterfly knife to make a hole in my controller for a power button (turned our perfect btw). i used .032 solder, smaller the better i think is what you are going for with the solder
slick_j_2002 V.I.P. Lifetime
Joined: Oct 29, 2004 Posts: 273
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 2:43 am Post subject:
Okay, I got all 12 holes cleared. Well, mostly. The last one's been giving me problems, but a few more swings should have it emptied.
You solder the pin-header to the LPC from the bottom, right? I can't imagine using that huge .063 guage solder for that. It would all run together, I'm sure, and I don't think you want it to do that.
Can I use the High-Tech silver-bearing solder? Why is it tricky? It's the smallest stuff I could find, but I want to be sure it'll make good contacts.
By the way, funkydopeloven, when I removed my jewel and cut the hole in the top of my case, I only used a blowdryer, a screwdriver, and a cheap pocket knife. Made a hell of a mess, and slashed my hand up pretty bad once with a slip of the screwdriver, but went pretty well nonetheless. I'm using the Dremel now though to clean the hole up and make it extend to nearly the edge of the jewel (which I messed up severely, by the way).
slick_j_2002 V.I.P. Lifetime
Joined: Oct 29, 2004 Posts: 273
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 2:47 am Post subject:
Oh yeah, ACE Hardware has a MultiPro variable speed Dremel kit for $40 after mail-in rebate. I think the kit with all the accessories is $20 or something, but the basic stuff should work fine for most modders' needs.
TheModGod Xbox-Hq Legendary
Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 3:03 am Post subject:
You take the shorter end of the pin header and insert it through the top portion of the mobo so that they are sticking out the bottom. This way, the longer pins are shooting out the top of the mobo so you can slide your Chip down onto them.
Then you can put a few pieces of Electrical Tape over it on the top so it's held in place.
Then turn mobo over and solder on the bottom. I seriously recommend a 25watt Iron. The 15watt in my opinion doesn't heat the pins up enough and you end up having to hold the iron on longer in effort to make a better bond. You will also notice that the solder will have a tendency to flow to the iron instead of the bond to the pin and LPC hole.
With a 25watt iron you only have to hold on for two seconds tops, then just touch the solder ( I use Light Duty Rosin Core Solder .022 dia). to the pin and it will spread all over the pin and the LPC hole making a great joint.
I got my cordless dremel from wal mart for 35.00, my wife has a killer one in her nail salon that was over 100.00 that she uses to bust through acrylic nails. But, I don't use that one as the cordless works fine.
As far as desoldering goes, always use braid. I use braid and the 25 watt iron, I have no problems desoldering with that. Three seconds is usually enough time to clear a LPC hole.
Let me know if you need pics...I am doing two machines tonight so I can set up the tri-pod and take some snap shots for you.
realmccloy
--------------------
http://www.xbox-hq.com http://www.themodgod.com _________________ Good Deals: Death@Hand, funkydopenloven, StaticMind, Slamscaper, PorscheXboxter
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slick_j_2002 V.I.P. Lifetime
Joined: Oct 29, 2004 Posts: 273
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 3:10 am Post subject:
Bah! I knew I should have gone with the 15-30 watt dual heat iron! Radio Shack is usually pretty good about exchanges, so I'll see what I can do with that.
Also, the tip feels awful fat for how small of an area I'm dealing with. Is that just something you have to get used to, or do you guys use smaller tips with a nice fine point on them?
And if you wanted to, realmccloy, or ModGod, or whatever... the pics would be useful and appreciated, but I can always hunt down another tut if you don't feel like making the effort.
TheModGod Xbox-Hq Legendary
Joined: Apr 18, 2004 Posts: 5303 Location: Greensburg PA
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 3:15 am Post subject:
I tend to lean toward the skinnier tips...it just suits me better.
I'll take some snaps and post them later.
I keep forgetting my username is changed....HA...I'll answer to anything though...lol.
TheModGod
-------------------------
http://www.xbox-hq.com http://www.themodgod.com _________________ Good Deals: Death@Hand, funkydopenloven, StaticMind, Slamscaper, PorscheXboxter
Bad Deals: None Yet
Pending Deals: Vanguard
slick_j_2002 V.I.P. Lifetime
Joined: Oct 29, 2004 Posts: 273
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 3:25 am Post subject:
Thanks, man. (Nice way to avoid the name thing )
I'd trust a guide from you before I'd trust anyone else's.
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