For the pedal modders and tinkerers... PCB work...

Pierre

Pierre

Stratologist
I tried modding my Guv'nor to Crunchbox specs (or at least get close by changing the way the gain is distributed within the opamp sides) and it turns out the Guv's PCB can't take two solder pump hits before without having the solder pads just fly off. So the pedal is pretty much ruined. I've done way worse to Boss pedals and never had the same problems, but I also know my technique isn't great (eh I never got taught about these things :( )

How do you guys manage without ruining everything?
 
Re: For the pedal modders and tinkerers... PCB work...

That's what I did. On the GV though the actual copper traces don't take solder. I'd need to solder one end of the component to another component's solder bit with a jumper.


And darn! I was kind hoping you'd tell me a desoldering braid works better ;)
 
Re: For the pedal modders and tinkerers... PCB work...

I use a Radio Shack soldering iron/sucker and never run into these problems....You only need to use just enough heat to melt and then you have to "quickly" get off the solder points!
 
Re: For the pedal modders and tinkerers... PCB work...

I use a desoldering braid or desoldering pump, depends on what I'm working on. The nice thing about the braid is the iron tip isn't in direct contact with the solder pad so it's kinda like a heatsink too. That said, I've messed up a couple pads myself. Nothing a little jumper wire can't fix. ;)
 
Re: For the pedal modders and tinkerers... PCB work...

ErikH said:
I use a desoldering braid or desoldering pump, depends on what I'm working on. The nice thing about the braid is the iron tip isn't in direct contact with the solder pad so it's kinda like a heatsink too. That said, I've messed up a couple pads myself. Nothing a little jumper wire can't fix. ;)
Click to expand...


I screwed up my share of pedals in the early stages also! :laughing:
 
Re: For the pedal modders and tinkerers... PCB work...

If you destroyed a trace pad? I've found that used desolderind braid works great. Just cut a small piece off and poke a hole though it with a nail. It solders to the trace very easy,And holds the componet good. (Don't look very to pretty) But you can't have it all.:doh:
 
Re: For the pedal modders and tinkerers... PCB work...

Here's a funny story....

I lifted a pad on my Crybaby, and got pissed, thinking I'd ruined it. At work the next day, I thought, "Hold on, why can't I just run wire between the components?" My boss has a degree in Electrical Engineering, so I thought I'd ask him. He says, "Oh no, once the pads have lifted, the board is pretty much ruined." He also told me that NOBODY uses single layer boards anymore.
 
Re: For the pedal modders and tinkerers... PCB work...

40 watt irons are good for guitar soldering etc, but not so good for PCB work IMHO unless you're doing large stuff like amps etc. For effects, a 15 watt iron is much better. I've never lifted a trace on an effect with a 15 watt iron.
 
Re: For the pedal modders and tinkerers... PCB work...

I just received an Opto Mod kit for my CS-3 from Monte Allums. Before I begin work, I'm going to build a cheap half-power box for my 35-watt Weller iron. I figure 17-ish watts is plenty for stomp box work.

Reducing a soldering iron to half-power is simple - just wire a plain old 1N400x diode in series. It blocks the negative-going half of each AC cycle - presto! Half power.

I have a roll of braid that I use for cleanup - my primary solder remover is a spring-action pump that I bought from Parts Express. It wasn't terribly expensive, but it's nicer than the usual Radio Shack jobby. Mine has an aluminum body and easily-obtainable replacement tips.
 
Re: For the pedal modders and tinkerers... PCB work...

Ahhh great advise there! I'll use a 15W and spend as little time as possible on the pad. I have a 30W now :doh:
 
Re: For the pedal modders and tinkerers... PCB work...

Pierre said:
Ahhh great advise there! I'll use a 15W and spend as little time as possible on the pad. I have a 30W now :doh:
Click to expand...

I use a Weller Soldering station that goes from 15 to 50 watts...Covers me pretty much for everything...Was about $50 and bought at Sears..
 
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