Page 21 - Triwatt Custom Lead Amp Builder's Guide

Use a stand for the soldering iron, a sponge to keep the tip clean, de-soldering wick material and
clip leads. You should also have a multi-meter with at least 500V range, preferably 1000V and an
audible continuity checker. Try to get a multi-meter that measures capacitance. This lets you verify
the value of your components before you install them.

Soldering

Soldering is accomplished by heating the components to be soldered and allowing the molten
solder to flow onto them. Do not try to melt solder on the tip of the iron and transfer it to the
solder joint. It doesn't work.
Follow these steps when soldering to boards. Note ROHS instructions:
1. Use 60/40 rosin-core solder. (use lead free when soldering ROHS boards. )
2. Keep the tip of the soldering iron clean. If it's dirty, wipe it on a damp sponge to clean it.
3. Set the temperature of your soldering iron to about 700F.
ROHS: 725-750F when soldering ROHS turret boards, the dwell time (time to heat and complete
the connection) is a little longer and temperature is set a little hotter. The solder used was Lead-
free solder 97/3 formula tin/copper with a Rosin Core.
4. Melt some solder on the tip of the iron. The molten solder helps to efficiently transfer heat
from the soldering iron to the component leads.
5. Make a good mechanical connection first, and then make a good solder joint.
6. Heat the leads to be soldered by touching it with the tip of the iron.
7. Touch the solder to the leads. The solder should flow onto the leads. Avoid breathing the
fumes.
8. Remove the soldering iron and allow the solder joint to cool.
Note: Do not apply the tip of the soldering iron to the turret board any longer than it takes for the
solder to flow.
Some people do have success using leaded solder on ROHS boards. Your experience may vary.
The solder joint should be clean and shiny. (ROHS joints are not as shiny as non-ROHS). If it is
dull looking it may be a ‘cold solder joint’ which is not a good electrical connection. If a solder
joint is suspect, heat it with the iron to reflow the solder.

Tube Pin Numbering
The pins on a 9-pin tube socket are numbered 1 to 9 in a clockwise direction when a tube or
socket is viewed from the bottom. Note that there is a gap between pins 1 and 9. The pins on an
8-pin tube socket are numbered 1 to 8 in a clockwise direction when viewed from the bottom.
Note that there is a gap between pins 1 and 8.

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