First attempts at self built pedal kits

[Suhnton]

Before you go any further, how big is your iron? The size you should be using is like this:

25W


If you're trying to use something much larger than this, you'll get yourself into trouble. Yeah, each solder point should be a "1-shot" i.e you shouldn't try to solder multiple times in the same place. The joints become "dry" (if you look closely, instead of a nice shiny joint (good), it looks cloudy and "bubbly" (bad)). If you show me what you've done so far by way of photograph, maybe I can offer some advice on how to fix it. My job in a previous life was repairing PC and monitor boards, so I have some experience in this area. You can PM me if you like.

[duhvoodooman***]

Excellent tips from Suhnton, quite comprehensive. Just a couple of things to add:

• A 40W iron for this kind of work is w-a-a-a-y-y too big. I'd recommend an iron in the 20 - 25W range. I'm on my 3rd one of THESE, and they work very well for this service. BTW, I'd recommend the 0.032" diam. 60/40 tin-lead rosin-core solder from Radio Shack. Stay away from the non-leaded type, unless you you have a masochistic streak. Believe me, the planet isn't going to implode because we DIY pedal-makers use the leaded stuff....
• For DIY beginners: Read the kit instructions thoroughly before you start. Then read them through a second time before picking up your soldering iron. Now put the iron down and read 'em a third time. No kidding. The more familiar you are with this, the less likely you are to make beginner mistakes. As you mentioned, desoldering tends to be a rather large PITA. This will help avoid it.
• Which brings me to key supplies to perform desoldering effectively, when you have to. Desoldering braid is an absolute essential--get some. A desoldering bulb is helpful for cleaning out plugged eyelets. And if you think you'll be doing more of this, a proper desoldering tool is better yet.

Hope that helps. Take your time and ask questions if you get stuck....

[vroomery]

Well I made a trip to radio shack today. I have learned first hand the importance of having the right tools. Now that I understand this I really laugh at how gross this project looks at this point. Here's a few pics for laughs.


This side looks ok.



This side looks like solder was barfed all over the circuit board.



Got this fun stuff from radioshack. Right now the plan is to just take it all apart, clean the board as best I can and then start over. I haven't even cut a good few of the wires because my wire cutters were a joke. Now I have some good ones so that shouldn't be a problem.

Quick question about order of application. Do you guys thing it's easier to start with the smallest items (Resistors) and then go to the larger items, or do you prefer to move in one direction across the board so that you always have a clean angle to the point that you are soldering? It seems like the second method might be a little easier, but I don't know. Also, are there any special tricks to restoring the solder points so they are not dry and will take the new solder well? Thanks again. I cannot stress enough how much better I feel about doing this stuff while knowing that I can ask you guys for answers.