Re: My A2 Hardware Projects

["PZ" <skierpaul@yahoo.com>]

Better than a solder pump is a desoldering iron. One can be very
cheaply obtained from Radio Shack.  Search "desolering iron" on
RadioShack.com and you'll find their 45 watt   model.  If a store
doesn't have it in stock, they can order it in and save you shipping
charges.

Also, 63/37 Solder is the most user friendly, if you can find it.
Also, if you can find a solder with a "no clean flux" thats good as
well since your joints will look super clean right away.

- Paul

Michael J. Mahon wrote:
> Polymorph wrote:
>
> > This whole project was essentially "can this software engineer do this
> > hardware project". And I didn't want to spend a lot of money if the
> > answer was going to be "no". Now that I know I can do it, I'll improve
> > on the aesthetics...
>
> Very nice, Mike!  I applaud your willingness to go outside
> your "comfort zone" and learn new skills.  Your soldering
> skills will no doubt come in handy in the future.
>
> A tool you will frequently find useful when soldering is a
> "solder sucker" that, using either a spring-loaded piston or
> a rubber bulb, can quickly suck molten solder through a nozzle
> and away from a joint or connection.  It makes cleaning up
> "used" holes for new components very easy and efficient.
>
> For smaller cleanup jobs, another very useful tool is a spool
> of fluxed copper braid.  This can be pressed against a joint
> with unwanted solder using the hot iron, and, when the solder
> melts, it will be sucked into the braid by capillary action,
> leaving the joint tinned but cleaned of old solder.
>
> Frequently, either or both of these solder removal techniques
> will leave the old part almost free, and gently wiggling its
> leads with needlenose pliers will allow it to be removed without
> stress to the circuit board.
>
> I'm sure you'll have lots of interesting and fun experiences
> with hardware now that you've broken the ice!  ;-)
>
> -michael
>
> New, faster SUDOKU v2.0 solver for Apple II's!
> Home page:  http://members.aol.com/MJMahon/
>
> "The wastebasket is our most important design
> tool--and it's seriously underused."