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Soldering question
nazerine:
Curious question, what type of solder are you using? If you're not using a rosin core solder, it might be your problem :)
HaRuMaN:
Also, if you are using the newer ROHS - compliant solder, that would be a problem as well.
knohbody:
Take some very fine grade sandpaper, and sand the copper traces. Then put some flux on it, heat up the trace, and apply a small amount of solder to tin the trace. In my experience, the copper pads on joystick pcbs are usually clear coated, so they look shiny, but they won't take solder unless you hit em with something first. The flux just makes it that much easier.
MattM:
Hey everyone, thanks for the replies!
BobA: I assumed I was holding it on for way to long already (more than 10 seconds). Yeah, I make sure to tin the tip.
SG Jaycurl: that's pretty much what I've been doing but always get stuck at step 4, as the solder never melts on the contact point ???
nazerine and HarumaN: this is the solder I'm using: http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/49ffd59a0a31a0b8273fc0a87e010712/Product/View/N2628 It had rosin printed somewhere on the packaging and it does contain lead.
knohbody: I've tried scraping back the traces with a screwdriver and that makes them a little more shiny but solder still won't melt to it. I have not yet tried the flux, but seeing as it's been recommended to me a few times now, I'll give that a whirl and see what happens.
Thanks all!
thecheat:
I've often found that brushing on a little dab of flux helps stubborn soldering.
It's also possible that your 25w iron might have a problem soldering to the gold plated contacts. Make sure the metal is copper (orange) and not gold (well, gold).