Soldering is one of the most basic requirements in repairing
televisions or anything electronic. Fortunately it's one of
the most easily learned. The key to any successful soldering
task is HEAT, having enough and applying it quickly. For most
electronic connections a 25 watt iron is appropriate, however
if the connection is to a metal frame or similar, a 40 watt will
be required. Not having a large enough iron can lead to
damaged component. Not the other way around. The reason for
this is simple. When you bond the components together , you
want to do it quickly. Apply heat, apply solder, then get
the iron away. If the iron is too small you will spend too
much time bringing the parts up to temperature, leading too
damaged parts or foils on the circuit board. The down side
to a larger iron is using it to solder very small parts. The
large tip can get in the way. Here are the steps to any
successful solder connection.
1. Make sure the parts are clean. You can't solder to a corroded wire.
2. Make sure there is a mechanical connection first. Even if it is
just putting the wire through a hole in the board.
3. Apply heat to the most massively metal area of the connection.
It will take longer to heat up.
4. Apply solder to the junction of the metal and the iron. Use
60/40 solder.
5. When enough solder has flowed, remove the iron, and let cool.
Unsoldering
Unsoldering is a very simple task. Place the braided solder wick against
the joint you want cleared. Then apply the iron to the braid.
The old solder will be sucked into the braid. Cut off the used section
of braid and continue.
Dakota
