soldering/signal switch

[portero72]

finally found the reason for my non functioning signals-broken factory solder connections in the switch. they are soooo small in there, its hard to work around the other components. also, the solder and gun i tried isn't working too well. the soldered connection i make keeps breaking. any suggestions for a better solder/method? something that won't re-break when i install the switch? thx

[mro]

I haven’t had to solder much,
but area needs to be clean and using the "right type" and size solder helps.

[portero72]

anybody know what the 'right type' of solder would be? it all looks silver to me...

[rman]

Originally posted by portero72
anybody know what the 'right type' of solder would be? it all looks silver to me...

Get some solder at radio shack, standard 60/40 will work well.
I usually use a rosin core type but regardless I will use a small dab of flux on the old solder joint and then add some new solder as soon as I get flow.

Do not spend too much time with the solder in a flow state as seperation and stratification will occur. 3 to 5 seconds in the flow state and then remove the heat. The good solder joint will have a shiny appearance when it cools. A poor joint will be dull.

Electronics tech for the last 19 years. I have soldered a wire or two.

[DiverRay]

I would pick up a 35 or 40 Watt solder iron from Radio Shack, as well. Most of the guns are fast, but the tips are too large for fine work. Should only be about $10 for the tool, and $3.95 for the solder.

[randy]

Also very important to keep the tip of the iron tight, clean and tinned with solder. A loose and dirty tip will not transfer heat well. I file the tip clean before use then tin it. While wroking, periodically wipe the tip with a damp sponge and re-tin it

[pggg]

Don't use 'flux cored solder' it's junk, use a bottle of liquid flux and a chunk of solid bar solder, makes all the difference

[portero72]

woohoo!!

seems to have worked, after much fiddling/cursing/rebreaking(its sooo effffing small in there). have yet to install switch back on bike, tho. its raining here in tx. looks solid, tho. will keep y'all posted. thx, mark