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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: Major_Tom_Coming_Home on March 05, 2018, 09:13:17 PM
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Title says it all - I have a modest collection of vintage 1970s to Early 1990s computers, and I fix computers for others on the side. The most important skill I feel that I am lacking for these pursuits is the ability to solder, and it is something I'd really like to pick up. My logic tells me that if I get a halfway decent Soldering iron to start out with it will make learning easier. I've done a bit of research, and I am wondering if the X-Tronic Model #3020 would be suitable for a beginner who wants to learn to solder computers and video game consoles??. I'm planning to practice on already dead logic boards and maybe some basic project kits before trying anything for real. Here is the link to the iron I'm looking at now: https://xtronicusa.com/X-Tronic-Model-3020-XTS-LED-Display-Soldering-Station-p74220205
Thanks!
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Major, Sir,
I think your approach to practice sounds good. There are plenty of good tutorials and videos on-line that can help. An experienced mentor can help. Consider reaching out to your local maker space or ham radio clubs. They can likely point you to someone who can help you on your journey.
As with many pursuits, when it comes to soldering it pays to buy the best equipment that you can afford. A few things to consider, and especially if you are going to be doing repairs...
- You'll be concerning yourself with not only putting the parts on the PCB but getting them off as well.
- Through-Hole vs. Surface-Mount (even 25 y.o. Amigas have SM parts. Don't be afraid to do SM, To be honest with the right tools I often find to be easier than T.H. and Hot Air stations are very reasonably priced.).
- Consider if the station you're buying has a good range of tip sizes available. Having the right sized tip and/or tip shape can make a lot of difference in the end quality of your work.
- Are the tips interchangeable with other brands and can good quality tips be acquired? You don't want to end up with a station that you can't get new tips for 3 years down the road.
Soldering is a skill that can be learned overtime, with practice, with patience and you can likely get to a point of doing pretty good work. However, really excellent soldering capabilities is more like an art in that some people have the knack for it and some do not. The artist will do passable work with a bad soldering station but the average Joe will do bad work with a bad station. So making the investment and having a decent station definitely helps. This doesn't mean you need to buy expensive but rather just good quality. I know a guy who uses a $15 soldering iron with good quality tips and he does amazing work with it.
Check out solder station reviews on places like Dave Jone's Youtube channel and also on his EEVblog forum (http://www.eevblog.com/forum/).
Hope this helps,
AmigaEd
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Soldering is quite easy and a good equipment will do most of the work for you.
I have a feeling that beginner works often look crap because they use bad equipment.
The linked soldernig station looks like cheap china stuff but the (hopefully truthfuly) specifications sounds ok so i guess that you can do decent soldering with it if you use the correct soldering tip. The supplied one doesn't look too good but should be sufficient for some work. Just order some better tips.
Also make sure to get good soldering wire, it's very essential for the end result.
Soldering flux is also a good thing to get and will make a great difference sometimes.
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Title says it all - I have a modest collection of vintage 1970s to Early 1990s computers, and I fix computers for others on the side. The most important skill I feel that I am lacking for these pursuits is the ability to solder, and it is something I'd really like to pick up. My logic tells me that if I get a halfway decent Soldering iron to start out with it will make learning easier. I've done a bit of research, and I am wondering if the X-Tronic Model #3020 would be suitable for a beginner who wants to learn to solder computers and video game consoles??. I'm planning to practice on already dead logic boards and maybe some basic project kits before trying anything for real. Here is the link to the iron I'm looking at now: https://xtronicusa.com/X-Tronic-Model-3020-XTS-LED-Display-Soldering-Station-p74220205
Thanks!
There is a pretty good thread about this posted not too long ago..I just have to find it and I’ll post the link..
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I just bought a Hakko FX-951, after having used a Radio Shack digital soldering station for the last couple of years. What a difference. I thought I just SUCKED when I was using the Radio Shack model, even after buying brand new tips. The Hakko is in a different class all together. I feel that with the Hakko, I can almost do it with my eyes closed, and get a good solder joint.
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I love my Weller station with the adjustable heat control.
Oh, and a piece of advice. It's NOT the bigger the blob, the better the job!
Always use just enough solder to make a good connection but don't use half a roll on one spot!
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I believe Vlab is referring to my initial thread when I started to learn recently.
http://www.amiga.org/forums/showthread.php?t=72819
I did buy an X tronics station and really don't have experience enough to compare or judge. My feeling is it isn't adequate enough. Soldering doesn't go as smooth as it should with settings that most recommend. I may buy a Hakko.
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I believe Vlab is referring to my initial thread when I started to learn recently.
http://www.amiga.org/forums/showthread.php?t=72819
I did buy an X tronics station and really don't have experience enough to compare or judge. My feeling is it isn't adequate enough. Soldering doesn't go as smooth as it should with settings that most recommend. I may buy a Hakko.
Yup. I was just about to post the link.
Rich