A few newbie questions!

[day_fiend]

I'm new to modchips and had a few general questions.

1) Are there different kinds of solder? If so, what kind should be used to install a modchip? Also, will I need solder flux?

2) All of the install pics I've seen have the wires held down by what appears to be hot glue. Is that, in fact, hot glue? I only ask because it seems like that heat might be damaging to certain areas.

Thanks for any replies.

[day_fiend]

Oh, one more thing... Do either DVD-R or DVD+R discs perform better/more consistently than the other when copying dvd games?

[ftothe3]

1) you dont need flux, it just makes things easier. get rosin core solder.

2) you can use hotglue anywhere on the board, even on the points themselves. it wont hurt anything.

3) dvd-r is much more compatible with older versions of ps2 (pre v5). i have a dvd-r drive and it works well. get the -r.

[madisonmods]

I humbly disagree with a couple of points. Flux is WELL worth the couple of dollars it costs. It will make your points stick MUCH better that just rosin core solder. Also, I would never put glue directly over the solder points. If it ever needs to be removed, you are in trouble. You won't need the glue directly on the points if you solder correctly and use flux and a good solder joint will hold itself on the board.

[prisoner1138]

bah, NEVER glue the points. if you can solder worth squat, it isnt difficult to solder a point that wont just fall off, andin theevent you ever need to remove something, the glue just makes it a total pain in the ass.

[ShadowKnyght]

keep wires short and you wont need any glue at all - hot or cold!

the PS2 MB is wave soldered - i.e. subjected to extreme heat for a short period of time - hot glue will do no damage by heat.

removing may cause damage if not done carefully - stick it where ever you like though - make sure of the points being correct first - else re-work will be a b!tch.

Never use Flux unless you also have a solvent to clean the PCB after as flux is corrosive!

I have been soldering for over 10 years - never once neaded flux!!! If you can solder for "squat" you shouldn't need it!

[ftothe3]

i didnt say you should use hotglue over the points. (i didnt do that) i just said you could.

[madisonmods]

Sure, flux is corrosive is you use corrosive flux. However, non-corrosive flux is... well... non-corrosive! Unless you have been soldering for 10 years, I recommend using it. You will get better and more reliable solder joints.