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Flux for the SchmartBoard — Parallax Forums

Flux for the SchmartBoard

velociostrichvelociostrich Posts: 40
edited 2009-09-28 04:53 in Propeller 1
Hello all,

I just got my SchmartBoard in the mail the other day, and in reading the manual, I found that soldering the board requires flux. Unfortunately, it does not specify what kind, saying only "standard flux".

Does anyone know what kind of flux I should use?

And, for that matter, do I clean the flux off with isopropyl alcohol as suggested to clean the board in the first place, or what?

Comments

  • mctriviamctrivia Posts: 3,772
    edited 2009-09-24 22:03
    i use LocTite multicore mini-fluxer part# m00385

    use isopropyl alcohol to clean off flux

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  • mikedivmikediv Posts: 825
    edited 2009-09-24 22:44
    Hi guys, mctrivia I was going to buy that kit I didn't see that part about the flux I thought it could be assembled with a soldering iron am I not correct? Do I need to get solder paste or something exotic?
  • mctriviamctrivia Posts: 3,772
    edited 2009-09-24 22:49
    I don't have but all you need is an iron.

    Flux and isopropyl alcohol should be used when ever you solder.

    I have not herd any good reviews but I can say it will be easier then my pcb.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    propmod_us and propmod_1x1 are in stock. Only $30. PCB available for $5

    Want to make projects and have Gadget Gangster sell them for you? propmod-us_ps_sd and propmod-1x1 are now available for use in your Gadget Gangster Projects.

    Need to upload large images or movies for use in the forum. you can do so at uploader.propmodule.com for free.
  • W9GFOW9GFO Posts: 4,010
    edited 2009-09-24 23:04
    mctrivia said...
    I have not herd any good reviews but I can say it will be easier then my pcb.
    I used a very old tube of RadioShack Rosin Soldering Flux. It worked just fine.

    I elected to use only the surface mount components. It would have been nice if the instructions included information on identifying and orienting these itty bitty things. I had no idea which way to install the LED, it was a 50/50 thing and I got lucky.

    Everything worked on the first try. Soldering on the Propeller chip and regulators was really easy, the others, not too bad. I did file my soldering tip to a nice point beforehand, that helps a lot.

    Biggest gripe I have, now that it's finished, is that there are no pin markings - anywhere. Yet there is plenty of room to include said markings on the board?! nono.gif

    Rich H

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    The Servo Boss, a 12 channel servo tester kit from Gadget Gangster.
  • velociostrichvelociostrich Posts: 40
    edited 2009-09-24 23:06
    mctrivia said...
    i use LocTite multicore mini-fluxer part# m00385

    use isopropyl alcohol to clean off flux

    Thanks for confirming the isopropyl alcohol bit, but II tried looking for the product you mentioned, and couldn't find it.

    I'd really just like to know the specific kind of solder to purchase, if that's possible.

    At that rate, will zinc chloride flux work? Or is there a specific kind of that?

    Post Edited (velociostrich) : 9/24/2009 11:14:15 PM GMT
  • velociostrichvelociostrich Posts: 40
    edited 2009-09-24 23:13
    I used a very old tube of RadioShack Rosin Soldering Flux. It worked just fine.

    Unfortunately, I don't have a very old tube of RadioShack rosin soldering flux. sad.gif

    EDIT: Something just came to mind -- is it that they assume that you would be using solder without flux that they tell you to use flux separately, and so if I have solder with flux I'm fine, or no?

    Post Edited (velociostrich) : 9/24/2009 11:19:55 PM GMT
  • MicrocontrolledMicrocontrolled Posts: 2,461
    edited 2009-09-24 23:16
    I don't see why ANYONE would get the Shmart board when the Protoboard USB costs the same and has more AND is already assembled.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    Computers are microcontrolled.

    Robots are microcontrolled.
    I am microcontrolled.

    But you·can·call me micro.

    Want to·experiment with the SX or just put together a cool project?
    SX Spinning light display·


  • mctriviamctrivia Posts: 3,772
    edited 2009-09-24 23:16
    Any flux will do. That one is a pen and is clear and does not conduct if you forget to take off.

    As for solder buy as thin as you can find. Either 63/37 or lead free. I use lead free so I can sell in europe but 63/37 is easier.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    propmod_us and propmod_1x1 are in stock. Only $30. PCB available for $5

    Want to make projects and have Gadget Gangster sell them for you? propmod-us_ps_sd and propmod-1x1 are now available for use in your Gadget Gangster Projects.

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  • W9GFOW9GFO Posts: 4,010
    edited 2009-09-24 23:17
    velociostrich said...

    Unfortunately, I don't have a very old tube of RadioShack rosin soldering flux. sad.gif

    It seems that they don't have it in the tube anymore but this is the same stuff.

    pRS1C-2110791w345.jpg

    Rich H

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    The Servo Boss, a 12 channel servo tester kit from Gadget Gangster.
  • velociostrichvelociostrich Posts: 40
    edited 2009-09-24 23:19
    mctrivia said...
    Any flux will do. That one is a pen and is clear and does not conduct if you forget to take off.

    As for solder buy as thin as you can find. Either 63/37 or lead free. I use lead free so I can sell in europe but 63/37 is easier.

    Ok, thanks, then the zinc chloride stuff that I have will work.
  • mikedivmikediv Posts: 825
    edited 2009-09-25 00:19
    I am familiar with using flux to solder water pipes but is this necessary because the solder no longer has flux in it?? I ask because I have a few old roles of solder 50/50 and it says it has a flux core?
    and I guess the rubbing alcohol to clean up the flux? thanks guys
  • mctriviamctrivia Posts: 3,772
    edited 2009-09-25 00:23
    with surface mount ics if you flux the pads first the ic will stay in place. the flux also acts to help the solder beter adeher to the chip leads.

    is it necisary no. will it make your life easier yes.

    http://www.newark.com/multicore-loctite/m293320/mf-x3210i-mini-fluxer-no-clean/dp/72C1235

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    propmod_us and propmod_1x1 are in stock. Only $30. PCB available for $5

    Want to make projects and have Gadget Gangster sell them for you? propmod-us_ps_sd and propmod-1x1 are now available for use in your Gadget Gangster Projects.

    Need to upload large images or movies for use in the forum. you can do so at uploader.propmodule.com for free.
  • W9GFOW9GFO Posts: 4,010
    edited 2009-09-25 02:26
    I found that with the SchmartBoard, using flux core solder, that the solder would just ball up. The flux was necessary for me.

    Rich H

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    The Servo Boss, a 12 channel servo tester kit from Gadget Gangster.
  • DogPDogP Posts: 168
    edited 2009-09-25 05:44
    W9GFO said...
    I did file my soldering tip to a nice point beforehand, that helps a lot.

    FYI, you should never file your soldering iron tip (assuming it's a coated tip, like just about every tip is anymore). It basically ruins it... although I guess if it was already bad, it doesn't really matter (it definitely shouldn't be your first resort, and I haven't done it since the first time I ruined one). This thread: http://www.electronicspoint.com/sharpen-and-re-tin-soldering-iron-tips-t73951.html is a good discussion about it.

    I typically keep my tip clean w/ a sponge, with my preference being the metal sponge, like: http://www.curiousinventor.com/store/product/2 . You could also buy tip cleaner (Radio Shack sells it), which works pretty well too. Eventually, you should probably just buy a new tip though (eventually, as in I'm still on my original tips for my soldering irons, which are all at least 4 years old, and they get a LOT of use).

    DogP
  • XlogicXXlogicX Posts: 18
    edited 2009-09-26 12:55
    It probably doesn’t matter what type of flux used, it is mostly a convenience. In any soldering job, adding flux will make the solder magically melt into place with practically no effort. If you’re the type of person that gets discouraged at lifting your iron from the board and the solder spikes along with it a little, then flux is a definite encourager.

    I didn’t have any flux lying around when I got my SchmartBoard, I also had a tip that was as wide as two of the propeller or eeprom leads. I tried to put the thing together anyway. Well, it all got soldered into place, and it all had continuity when I checked with a DMM. However, when I hooked power up, smoke started coming from the lower voltage regulator / LED area, then the LED dimmed. Woops, fried a board.

    So I bought some flux and a better iron tip. I ordered two more boards (because they were on sale for $30 at the time). I will give it another go.

    @Microcontrolled: You asked why anyone would want one of these boards. I got it because it is ridiculously small, some people have applications that would benefit from that profile, I am one of those people.
  • mctriviamctrivia Posts: 3,772
    edited 2009-09-26 12:59
    You want really small check out my propmod-1x1

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    propmod_us and propmod_1x1 are in stock. Only $30. PCB available for $5

    Want to make projects and have Gadget Gangster sell them for you? propmod-us_ps_sd and propmod-1x1 are now available for use in your Gadget Gangster Projects.

    Need to upload large images or movies for use in the forum. you can do so at uploader.propmodule.com for free.
  • XlogicXXlogicX Posts: 18
    edited 2009-09-26 14:41
    Wow, that is pretty amazing, keep that available for a bit, I may order a couple of those.
  • mctriviamctrivia Posts: 3,772
    edited 2009-09-26 14:49
    i have 100 PCB in stock still and don't plan to ever discontinue.

    I am building a new test rig and will soon be offering with headers not attached. seems more useful for most that way.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    propmod_us and propmod_1x1 are in stock. Only $30. PCB available for $5

    Want to make projects and have Gadget Gangster sell them for you? propmod-us_ps_sd and propmod-1x1 are now available for use in your Gadget Gangster Projects.

    Need to upload large images or movies for use in the forum. you can do so at uploader.propmodule.com for free.
  • W9GFOW9GFO Posts: 4,010
    edited 2009-09-26 17:16
    DogP said...


    FYI, you should never file your soldering iron tip (assuming it's a coated tip, like just about every tip is anymore).

    No it was not plated, just a cheap solid copper tip that I dress up and re-tin when it starts to look like a snake's tongue. It is considerably shorter than it used to be. [noparse]:D[/noparse]

    Rich H

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    The Servo Boss, a 12 channel servo tester kit from Gadget Gangster.
  • UnknownUnknown
    edited 2009-09-28 01:23
    mikediv said...
    I am familiar with using flux to solder water pipes but is this necessary because the solder no longer has flux in it?? I ask because I have a few old roles of solder 50/50 and it says it has a flux core?
    and I guess the rubbing alcohol to clean up the flux? thanks guys
    I asked my Dad and he is 88.

    He said plumbing solder is 50% tin and 50% lead while electrical solder is 63% Tin and 37% lead.

    He said the problem you will have with the wrong kind of solder is corrosion.· The life of your product may be determined by the quality of solder used.

    I'm not sure what has changed since·my Dad·has worked but there is a thing called lead free solder.

    You probably want to use lead free rosin core solder.
  • mctriviamctrivia Posts: 3,772
    edited 2009-09-28 01:29
    The reason for 63/37 is it has no plastic state like 50/50 has. Does not mater for plumbing but with electronics you will get a bad joint if part moves while plastic.

    63/37 is better then lead free but you can not sell in europe if your product contains lead.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    propmod_us and propmod_1x1 are in stock. Only $30. PCB available for $5

    Want to make projects and have Gadget Gangster sell them for you? propmod-us_ps_sd and propmod-1x1 are now available for use in your Gadget Gangster Projects.

    Need to upload large images or movies for use in the forum. you can do so at uploader.propmodule.com for free.
  • UnknownUnknown
    edited 2009-09-28 01:54
    What I gather from this link is flux is a kind of enamel to keep joints from being desoldered easily.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solder
  • wyzard28wyzard28 Posts: 24
    edited 2009-09-28 04:53
    Flux is absolutely necessary for electronics soldering. Think of flux as improving the surface tension of the melted solder, allowing it to stick to those heated, metallic objects it comes in contact with. I've had great luck with the flux pens as sold by Sparkfun. They're like a big felt-tipped Magic Marker that dispenses flux instead of ink. A few wipes with the pen and I'm ready to rock.
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