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Never would have thought solder quality was this important

W

wymple

Forum Sage
Past Site Supporter
I was hanging around another forum where a fellow converted to a PMA from his stock setup on an XS650. With everything done by the book it just wouldn't charge enough. After MUCH hassle, one of the well seasoned oldtimers figured out that the solder he used on his connections was of insufficient quality. Cleared right up with a higher grade of solder on a rework. Who'd a thunk it? Now when I go look for solder I'll have to research a little 1st.
 
I still prefer the old-fashioned lead/tin solder, not the new "lead-free" stuff.

Probably more important than the solder itself would be the prep. CLEAN connections, proper flux and proper temperature.

Many times, simply re-heating the work to make the solder flow a bit better will fix the problem. This is what is done to fix a "cold" solder joint, which can be identified by a "blob" of solder at the joint instead of nicely-flowing lines.
 
Solder is not a good conductor which is why you need a good mechanical connection between the the conductors being soldered. The quality of the solder may play some part in a good connection but usually only if the conductors aren't in firm contact before the solder is applied.
 
Chris said:
Solder is not a good conductor which is why you need a good mechanical connection between the the conductors being soldered. The quality of the solder may play some part in a good connection but usually only if the conductors aren't in firm contact before the solder is applied.
Click to expand...

I agree, the problem from the other board was probably cold solder joints that had oxidized without good mechanical connections. More and More I'm using a good flux to minimize the amount of heat I need to put into soldered connections and ensure a nice flow out.
 
Many people mistakenly think that solder is what makes the connection. WRONG. You need a good, clean, TIGHT mechanical connection before you apply solder. Solder is more of a coating that keeps the tight connection from oxidizing.
 
All good points, I'm sure. I still think solder, in my experience, enhances the conductivity of the joint more than just crimping clean and proper.
 
phydeauxmutt said:
Many people mistakenly think that solder is what makes the connection. WRONG. You need a good, clean, TIGHT mechanical connection before you apply solder. Solder is more of a coating that keeps the tight connection from oxidizing.
Click to expand...

If this were true than pretty much every circuit board ever made wouldn't work.
 
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