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Modchip help: Soldering tip size
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Kirby85
Junior Member
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3. June 2007 @ 15:11 |
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Hey there, I've been checking around for info on soldering modchips for the past week as I was awaiting my Wii modchip to arrive, and I finally got it (it's a WiiD). I attempted to try soldering the wires from the chip to the pads on the Wii's board, but had some difficulty doing so. I think I have just realized that I have been using the wrong tip for my soldering iron, which probably explains my failiure. Anyways, I need help on the following...
1. What soldering iron tip size is recommended? I have an 18w iron (just a few above 15, should do) with a 2.3mm tip, I know it's far too thick, but there's dozens of different size tips I can get for it too.
2. How do I "desolder" successfully without damaging the chip or PCB? Admittedly I made a mess of attempting to solder some wires onto my WiiD and I need to remove the excess solder around the pads I made.
3. Is any additional equipment recommended to make the job easier/safer? At the moment I already have an iron stand, anti-static ESD wristband/mat, and electrical tape.
Hope you guys can help me out :)
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Senior Member
13 product reviews
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3. June 2007 @ 20:49 |
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You just need a fine tip that will be able to do the job! I don't know what my size is, but it was the smallest one they had at RadioShack (and it really doesn't look that small...)! To desolder, I use Desoldering Braid! It's this copper wire (braid), and you just put it over the solder you want to take off, and just heat it up with the Iron! The Braid will absorb all of the excess solder! You can buy some of this at RadioShack for about 2 bucks or so! Glad you are going with the Wire install of the WiiD! That is what I did, and it is so much easier than the Quick Solder Method!
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Kirby85
Junior Member
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4. June 2007 @ 10:02 |
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Senior Member
13 product reviews
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4. June 2007 @ 12:21 |
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Yes, that is the kind of braid that I use (just mine is made by RadioShack)! The Solder Tip also looks like it will work fine! I think you are set to go!
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Kirby85
Junior Member
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4. June 2007 @ 21:13 |
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Thanks! One more thing: is it recommended I get some flux too? I know what flux is for, but I also know that it's purely optional, I'm not sure how much easier it will make this soldering job for me, what do you think?
Again, Maplin have something like this available too. Specifically, a "Rosin Flux Dispensing Pen", for £6.51 (about $13):
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?Modu...ia=flux&doy=5m6
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Senior Member
13 product reviews
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4. June 2007 @ 21:23 |
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I didn't use flux, just because I didn't know what it was at the time! You should be fine without it! But if you think you would need it, then you can get it! I personally think you will be fine, and I never used it when I installed my chip!
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Kirby85
Junior Member
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4. June 2007 @ 21:32 |
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Alright, I guess I could purchase it along with the tip and braid, and use it if my attempt to solder with the new tip doesn't go as planned; that way I can still send it back for a refund if unused. Thanks for the help and advice, wish me luck with it! :)
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tronads
Junior Member
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4. June 2007 @ 21:56 |
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Flux will already be in your solder. Stick with a 0.5mm iron bit and the job will be easy. I fitted 2 Wiid's last night using the wired option, and its a much better way of fitting them. I was impressed to see the 6 wires were pre-tinned for me, although I did have to snip the tinned ends as they were about 2x as long as I wanted them.
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Senior Member
13 product reviews
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4. June 2007 @ 21:58 |
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Good Luck with it! Just take your time!!!
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tronads
Junior Member
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4. June 2007 @ 22:08 |
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Ooops, it was 2 Wiikit's I did last night, not Wiid's
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Senior Member
13 product reviews
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5. June 2007 @ 15:36 |
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How are the WiiKits? I've heard of them, but haven't heard much! Are they good chips? Because they are like $10 bucks, and the wire install for them look Really Great!
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