Soldering Question (yep, another one)

[sofakng]

I've done a search and read through a bunch of posts. It seems like people recommend that Willer (is that right?) soldering iron... I only have Radio Shack nearby (no Fry's or anything like that) so I'd have to mail it if thats what I wanted.

The problem I'm having is that I can't seem to solder properly. Eventually I can get two things soldered, but they often seem to start burning (turning yellow, etc). Yikes.

Now I really, really want to practice and get good enough to install a Magic 3.1 or a DMS 3 chip.

Could my soldering iron be the problem? I have a Radio Shack 15 watt iron. No idea what the tip size is. It seems as though the very end of the tip doesn't heat up enough. The SIDES of the tip can melt solder very quickly, but the pointy end of the tip takes forever.

So...

Can anybody give me some tips on what I can do to eventually be good enough to install DMS (or whatever) chip?

Should I buy a different soldering iron? I'd like to stay within the $30 price range if possible.

[oliveshagger]

Its weller. ALOT of people use an Antex with a fine tip (ie needle tip etc)

The soldering iron is cheap and the tip is also a few £ or $.

PS; get LOTS of practice before even attempting to install a mod. Its best if you get it modded as its not as easy as the diagrams look!!!! - yet for us who have done many its alot easier.

Good luck!

[sofakng]

Where could I get an Antex and where could I buy the tips? (what size tip should I buy?)

I understand your concern about me installing a modchip (espicially a difficult one like DMS, or any of the direct-boot ones). But, if I never practice or even try, how can I ever get good at it?

I believe I can do it. I just need to get the right tools and a whole bunch of practice.

Thanks for the help!

[messiahfan2003]

www.mmnewman.com

Thats where I got my Antex 15 watt iron and station.

[MackIII]

Originally posted by messiahfan2003
www.mmnewman.com

Thats where I got my Antex 15 watt iron and station.

There are so many tips to choose from for this iron. What are the prefered tips to do work on a v9 board?

[oliveshagger]

U want to get a FINE tip!!, most fine (needle) tips will do!!!

Ie; if it says needle point etc it should be great for ps2 mobos

[ShadowKnyght]

some tips claim to be needle and are greater than 0.8mm and thus not so good.

you want 0.4mm to 0.1mm