electronic component to be soldered onto circuit board

[Tom]

Hi All,

I need someone with high level soldering skills to solder a component onto a small circuit board - I think special temperature controlled soldering equipment needs to be used to do this (its way beyond my expertise).

Does anyone know how I can find a local workshop or perhaps individual that could do this work in the London W4 area? (I'm afraid its only a small job)

Thanks, George

[John Rumm]

Bit more detail would help... such as what sort of component? Surface mount or through hole? Multi-layer board?

Even reasonably dense surface mount can be done by hand if you are careful and use a small iron/tip...

[Harry Bloomfield]

Find a competent and willing radio amateur over on UK.radio.amateur to help you out perhaps?

[Tom]

Thanks John, Its actually a screen cable for an old PDA (the screen ribbon cable is soldered onto the connector at the bottom of the screen)- I have tried to do the job myself and already succeeded at making a mess of it - I'll post a photo link to show the problem.

Thanks, G

[Harry Bloomfield]

Tom formulated on Tuesday :

If it has a fair bit of copper content to it, then it likely needs more heat.

[dave]

Does mean you are neither competent, or willing then?

Dave

[Harry Bloomfield]

dave pretended :

It could equally mean that I could not at the moment spare the time.

-but I might be willing/able to help if the OP indicated roughly where he lives.

[ARWadsworth]

Well from the OPs first post "in the London W4 area":-(

Cheers

Adam

[Harry Bloomfield]

ARWadsworth laid this down on his screen :

So then, anyone in the W4 area willing to assist him?

[dave]

Yes, it's a long way from you. Couldn't resist the dig, seeing your call sign.

Dave

[Harry Bloomfield]

You are volunteering :-)

[dave]

No! I am about as far as way as you are. Preston.

Dave

[Tom]

Thanks for the replies - yes I am in London W4!

I tried using a battery powered soldering iron I got from Maplins but it wasn't powerful enough, but an ordinary one was too hot I think.

Please take a look at the photos I've posted in the attached link:-

?action=view&current=psionflexicloseup.jpgThanks, G

[Andy Burns]

One of those "instant heat" ones with a split tip? If so don't use it on electronic circuits, it applies a voltage across the two sides of the tip, which can damage the circuitry.

[Tom]

No, not the short-out heat tip type - I just think that it was too cool and the ordinary one I had too hot, combined with my lack of skill it ended in disaster. G

[Fredxx]

>Temperature is everything, especially with lead free solders which require a higher temperature to melt and flow. Too hot and you destroy the plastic and any adhesion between copper and substrate.

I can only suggest you look for "electronic assembly" in your local directories and pay a visit. Anyone with half an eye and who is competent with a soldering iron should be able to do this for you. If you were local I would say pop in, as it would only take 10 minutes.

[Harry Bloomfield]

Fredxx laid this down on his screen :

>>>>>> Temperature is everything, especially with lead free solders which require a

That has an absolute minimum of copper mass and just needs a good, fine tipped soldering iron and the right knack.