Changes

== What is Soldering? ==

== What is Soldering? ==

Soldering is a process often used when working with electronics. It consists of melting one metal to connect two or more metal pieces. This connection not only creates an electrical connection, but it also secures a component in place.

Soldering is a process often used when working with electronics. It consists of melting one metal to connect two or more metal pieces. This connection not only creates an electrical connection, but it also secures a component in place.

*  

*  

=== Safety When Soldering ===

=== Safety When Soldering ===

* When Soldering be sure to wet the sponge being used in order to avoid burning it or ruining the tip of the iron

* When Soldering be sure to wet the sponge being used in order to avoid burning it or ruining the tip of the iron

* Don’t leave the iron unsupervised and on

* Don’t leave the iron unsupervised and on

* Don’t touch the tip or neck of the iron

* Don’t touch the tip or neck of the iron

* Allow the solder and board to cool before handling

* Allow the solder and board to cool before handling

* Always solder with ventilation, as the fumes are toxic and can lead to respiratory irritations after extended exposure.

* Be sure to wait until the iron cools before storing it, in order to avoid burring or melting any thing else in its vicinity

 

 

 

When soldering components, be sure to '''heat the component to be hot enough to melt the solder and not the solder itself''' - this allows for better adhesion between the component and solder, the goal is to ensure that the connection between the two is as secure as it can be. The iron is not meant to be used to melt solder on to it and then wipe the solder onto the component and board.

 

 

Either by using a wet sponge or brass wool clean the iron tip regularly in order to remove old solder and oxidization.

 

 

Melting solder will produce fumes and so you must always solder in well ventilated areas, this goes especially for any solder that contains lead.

 

 

# Do not leave the iron on. Leaving the iron can cause the tip  to burn and will ruin in the iron over time

== Equipment and Materials ==

== Equipment and Materials ==

[[File:Bbd.png|none|thumb|679x679px|Cited from: https://learn.adafruit.com/breadboards-for-beginners?view=all]]  

[[File:Bbd.png|none|thumb|679x679px|Cited from: https://learn.adafruit.com/breadboards-for-beginners?view=all]]  

==== Protoboards ====

==== Protoboards ====

A protoboard (also known as a perfboard or DOT PCB) is a PCB with pre-drilled holes that have square or circular copper pads. This board allows you to insert components into the holes to secure them and then the holes can be bridged together in order to connect them together and create a circuit.  

A protoboard (also known as a perfboard or stripboard or DOT PCB) is a PCB with pre-drilled holes that have square or circular copper pads. This board allows you to insert components into the holes to secure them and then the holes can be bridged together in order to connect them together and create a circuit. A protoboard typically has individual pads on the board and a stripboard will have many pads already connected together.  

[[File:Perf.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/970x728/2670-00.jpg]]

[[File:Perf.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/970x728/2670-00.jpg]]

=== Tools ===

=== Tools ===

* Soldering Iron

* Soldering Iron and stand

 

This is the iron used to manipulate the solder onto the board or circuit.

This is the iron used to manipulate the solder onto the board or circuit. A stand is very helpful to hold the iron while it's not in use to avoid touching and burning anything around the iron. They usually come with a sponge or brass wool to clean the tip of the iron.

[[File:Iron.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://www.twinschip.com/image/cache/catalog/Products%20Twins%20Chip%20Store%202020/Electronic%20Tools/Soldering%20Iron%2060W/SOLDERING%20IRON%2060W%201%20Twins%20Chip-550x550.jpg]]

[[File:Iron.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://www.twinschip.com/image/cache/catalog/Products%20Twins%20Chip%20Store%202020/Electronic%20Tools/Soldering%20Iron%2060W/SOLDERING%20IRON%2060W%201%20Twins%20Chip-550x550.jpg]]

* Exhaust  

* Exhaust  

Often with smaller components and in the presence of a more complicated circuit, using additional equipment like helping hands or tweezers can help the process. These essentially aid in manipulating the components and keeping them in a specific position.

Often with smaller components and in the presence of a more complicated circuit, using additional equipment like helping hands or tweezers can help the process. These essentially aid in manipulating the components and keeping them in a specific position.

[[File:Tweezer.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/970x728/422-03.jpg]]

[[File:Tweezer.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/970x728/422-03.jpg]]

[[File:Hh.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/616R9Dx2ejL.jpg]]

* Wire Strippers[[File:AWG size chart.png|thumb|Cited from: https://www.digikey.ca/en/resources/conversion-calculators/conversion-calculator-wire-size]]

Wire strippers are used to expose the internal wire and remove the plastic insulation to allow you to create connections between different wires. They are rated for different diameters (or gauges) of wire which is indicated on the tool itself. The American Wire Gauge (AWG) is a standardized way of specifying the size of a wire. Digikey has a wire size conversion calculator for example: https://www.digikey.ca/en/resources/conversion-calculators/conversion-calculator-wire-size

Wire strippers are used to expose the internal wire and remove the plastic insulation to allow you to create connections between different wires.

[[File:Ws.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://www.elecrow.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/f8158826193ba5faa8b862a9bd1eb9e9/1/4/14426251290_1.jpg]]

[[File:Ws.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://www.elecrow.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/f8158826193ba5faa8b862a9bd1eb9e9/1/4/14426251290_1.jpg]]

* Brass Wool

* Brass Wool and wet sponge

A brass wool can be use to help clean oxidization off of the soldering iron - this aids in adhesion between the soldering iron and the solder.

A brass wool can be use to help clean oxidization off of the soldering iron - this aids in adhesion between the soldering iron and the solder. A wet sponge can be used to help clean the iron while soldering. Wet paper towel can also be used.

[[File:Bw.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://eleshop.eu/brass-wool-for-cleaning-a-soldering-tip.html]]

[[File:Bw.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://eleshop.eu/brass-wool-for-cleaning-a-soldering-tip.html]]

=== Tool Maintenance ===

=== Tool Maintenance ===

 

'''Soldering Tools'''

 

* ''<u>Tin the tip when you are using the iron</u>''

* Keep the soldering iron tip clean by removing the oxidization via the brass wool/sponge.

* Be sure to wait until the iron cools before storing it, in order to avoid burring or melting any thing else in its vicinity

*<u>''Select the correct temperature''</u>

** 600F (315C) for surface mount components

Higher temperatures can damage the iron and cause it to burn and oxidize faster. It is good practice to use the lowest temperature possible which will still melt the solder. As the tip gets more oxidized a higher temperature will be needed to use it efficiently.

*<u>''Do not:''</u>

# Do not leave the iron on. Leaving the iron can cause the tip to burn and will ruin in the iron over time.

# Don’t touch the mat or any plastics with the iron. A thin plastic film will form on the iron which will inhibit soldering, this includes heat shrink tubing.

==How to Solder==

==How to Solder==

=== Set up ===

 

To begin soldering gather all of the equipment and components necessary. And begin by determining which connection needs to be made and how you plan on making it. Next we will set up the Iron and station. Ensure you have a working soldering iron and stand, brass wool/wet sponge, solder, ventilation, and (optional) flux and tip tinner. Turn on the iron and select the appropriate temperature for the iron:

==== Set up ====

To begin soldering gather all of the equipment and components necessary. And begin by determining which connection needs to be made and how you plan on making it. Next we will set up the Iron and station; Ensure you have a working soldering iron and stand, brass wool/wet sponge, solder, and (optional) flux and tip tinner. Turn on the iron and select the appropriate temperature for the iron:

* 700F (370C) for through hole components and wires

* 700F (370C) for through hole components and wires

* 600F (315C) for surface mount components

* 600F (315C) for surface mount components

<u>'''''Materials''':''</u>

[[File:Wss.png|thumb|528x528px|Cited from: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-strip-wire/|alt=]]Soldering two wires is the best way to practice soldering at the very beginning. There are two types of wire, either stranded or solid core. Both have a metal core wrapped in a plastic covering. To see the metal, you need to expose the core by removing the plastic. This can be done using wire strippers or wire cutters. When using wire strippers - place the wire in the slot written to be for the wire gauge you’re using and gently press around the tubing. You want to be sure to avoid cutting through the core of the wire since the goal is to expose the core. Once the perimeter of the covering has been cut through you will then remove it by slipping it off the core as seen below.

 

''What is needed:''

 

''Optional items:''

 

*De-soldering tool

 

==== How to Strip a Wire: ====

Soldering two wires is the best way to practice soldering at the very beginning. There are two types of wire, either stranded or solid core. Both have a metal core wrapped in a plastic covering. To see the metal, you need to expose the core by removing the plastic. This can be done using wire strippers or wire cutters. When using wire strippers - place the wire in the slot written to be for the wire gauge you’re using and gently press around the tubing. You want to be sure to avoid cutting through the core of the wire since the goal is to expose the core. Once the perimeter of the covering has been cut through you will then remove it by slipping it off the core as seen below.

''How does the wire stripper work?''

''How does the wire stripper work?''

The wire stripper works by having blades that are circular in shape and of different diameters that correspond to different wire gauges. The wire cutter is designed to cut through the sheath on a wire whilst not cutting through its core.

The wire stripper works by having blades that are circular in shape and of different diameters that correspond to different wire gauges. The wire cutter is designed to cut through the sheath on a wire whilst not cutting through its core.

#Grab a few wires, strip 1 cm off each end.

 

#Twist the two wires together with pliers or your fingers.

 

#Grab a few wires, strip 1 cm off each end and bend each end in a U shape.

#Twist the two wires together with plier or your fingers.

#Hold the soldering iron like a pen. Heat the two wires for 1-2 seconds and then flow solder on the connection. The goal is to heat the connection not the solder. Once you see the solder flow evenly throughout the connection, remove the solder and soldering iron.

#Hold the soldering iron like a pen. Heat the two wires for 1-2 seconds and then flow solder on the connection. The goal is to heat the connection not the solder. Once you see the solder flow evenly throughout the connection, remove the solder and soldering iron.

#Allow the connection to cool, this usually takes 20-30 seconds. During this time, avoid moving the wires

#Allow the connection to cool, this usually takes 20-30 seconds. During this time, avoid moving the wires.

<youtube>YF0bqfVcmt4?list=PLA-oTz8kRbrohnM_tMzgk4IfheRG29Fq5</youtube>

<youtube>YF0bqfVcmt4?list=PLA-oTz8kRbrohnM_tMzgk4IfheRG29Fq5</youtube>

<youtube>VmE5KXr1juk?list=PLA-oTz8kRbrohnM_tMzgk4IfheRG29Fq5</youtube>

<youtube>VmE5KXr1juk?list=PLA-oTz8kRbrohnM_tMzgk4IfheRG29Fq5</youtube>

<youtube>Z8lLFY7iBW8?list=PLA-oTz8kRbrohnM_tMzgk4IfheRG29Fq5</youtube>

<youtube>Z8lLFY7iBW8?list=PLA-oTz8kRbrohnM_tMzgk4IfheRG29Fq5</youtube>

==== Soldering THT ====

=== Soldering THT ===

 

When soldering be sure that you don't use too much or too little solder - as seen below, ideally the joint should have a cone shape to it.

When soldering be sure that you don't use too much or too little solder - as seen below, ideally the joint should have a cone shape to it.

== Soldering Considerations ==

== Soldering Considerations ==

==== Polarity ====

=== Polarity ===

When soldering different components be sure to consider their polarity! Often times certain components will only work when connected a certain way, and example of such a component is an LED. LEDs have a positive and negative end and the component will only work when connected in a certain manner.

When soldering different components be sure to consider their polarity! Often times certain components will only work when connected a certain way, and example of such a component is an LED. LEDs have a positive and negative end and the component will only work when connected in a certain manner.

[[File:LED Polarity.png|center|thumb|Cited From: https://www.davidhaillant.com/how-to-determine-through-hole-led-polarity/]]

[[File:LED Polarity.png|center|thumb|Cited From: https://www.davidhaillant.com/how-to-determine-through-hole-led-polarity/]]

==== Heat Sensitivity ====

=== Heat Sensitivity ===

Due to various reasons such as material or size, certain components are only able to handle certain levels of heat when being soldered. If exposed to too much heat for too long, they are likely to burn out and become unusable.

Due to various reasons such as material or size, certain components are only able to handle certain levels of heat when being soldered. If exposed to too much heat for too long, they are likely to burn out and become unusable.

[[File:Transistor.png|center|thumb|Cited from:https://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/how-transistors-work/]]

[[File:Transistor.png|center|thumb|Cited from:https://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/how-transistors-work/]]

==== Static Electricity ====

=== Static Electricity ===

Certain components are incredibly sensitive to static electricity and thus require specific equipment when handling them. There are 4 types of ESD equipment used to aid in grounding you to avoid damaging the equipment.

Certain components are incredibly sensitive to static electricity and thus require specific equipment when handling them. There are 4 types of ESD equipment used to aid in grounding you to avoid damaging the equipment.