so far I have had three of the 8neopixel strips that got lifted traces on the first time I tried to solder to them. after the first time i tried turning my solder iron down and it is still happening. could someone from adafruit please help by explaining to me what I am doing wrong
Thanks
lifted traces
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Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.
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Re: lifted traces
You know how it's easier to cut yourself when using a dull blade...?
Sometimes soldering is similar. If heat is too low, you'll spend a longer time in one spot and cause a lot more damage. Its often better to use a hot iron and get in and out real fast.
Do you have temp control on your iron?
When I solder to those kind of pads -
Here is Adafruit's soldering guide -
http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-guid ... ring/tools
Also, google & YouTube. There are lots of instructional vides on how to solder almost anything you can think of.
Sometimes soldering is similar. If heat is too low, you'll spend a longer time in one spot and cause a lot more damage. Its often better to use a hot iron and get in and out real fast.
Do you have temp control on your iron?
When I solder to those kind of pads -
- I use soldering flux.
Quickly, melt a dab of solder onto the pad and let it cool.
Tin the wire I'm about to connect to it.
Then, hold the wire against the solder on pad, bring the iron against them both to reflow the solder, and remove iron as soon as it liquifies.
Should be in and out in about one second or less.
Here is Adafruit's soldering guide -
http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-guid ... ring/tools
Also, google & YouTube. There are lots of instructional vides on how to solder almost anything you can think of.
- adafruit_support_bill
- Posts: 88093
- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: lifted traces
The solder used on these strips is lead-free and requires a higher temperature to melt compared with standard lead/tin solders. This fact, combined with the thin flexible pcb and traces makes it easier to overheat traces.
As noted by 1chicagodave, a cold iron is actually more likely to cause overheating of a joint. it is better to use a hotter iron to minimize the time it takes to melt the solder.
As noted by 1chicagodave, a cold iron is actually more likely to cause overheating of a joint. it is better to use a hotter iron to minimize the time it takes to melt the solder.
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.