If you're tired of mice keep having double clicking issues, it may be time to pick up a soldering kit... It takes a bit of time to learn to do it well, but I thought it was worth learning.
The one I use was only $20 on amazon. It may not last forever at that price point, but I've repaired several Xbox controllers and mice with it.
> Why do you want temperature control?
I agree, there is no need for temperature control, even though I own the Uyue 1010 that cost me $50, I could do the reflows with a much cheaper tool.
For example for $8, aliex item 3256801822852280, or pay double on amazon...
I tend to pay too much.. I own a pair of tweezers that cost $20, and a soldering iron that cost $100, but knowing what I know now, this $20 kit w solder iron plus tweezers would be sufficient.. https://www.amazon.com/Soldering-Iron-Kit-Temperature-Desoldering/dp/B07S61WT16
Soldering irons are cheap as dirt. Here is a cool set that would get you started for $20. I have ones similiar and works fine for the few times a year I use it check this Even a nice digital one will run around $50
I spent $20 on this kit.
In the last few months, I've repaired 4 Xbox controllers and swapped Omrons for Kailh 8.0s on 2 mice.
Even if the soldering iron craps out soon, I've got more than my money's worth.
This is the one I got.. honestly it doesn't need to be crazy expensive if all you are going to be doing is simple stuff like changing a battery.
I am no expert at soldering I'm still basically a beginner. But I have used this to recap an SNES, Jaguar, Game Gear and a OG Xbox. I also used it to install an xStation into a PS1 and replace the battery and a few things in my Dreamcast.
I'm sure I will get some crap for what I use but it works for me.
Thanks!
I used the pump that came with this kit. The reviews said it was a bad pump, but I don't have any reference to compare it to. More than a few times I had to add more solder to give the pump something to "grab" to. It got easier with practice.
Also, a key think I learned is that if the switch doesn't come out with gentle pressure, pulling harder will only damage the board. I was very lucky in that I only ripped one trace.
The reason those wires can coexist in their environments is that they’re coated with a substance that insulates them from shorting. The heat from soldering is what allows the connection and requires the use of an iron. At this point you don’t have anything to lose…
Soldering Iron Kit - Soldering Iron 60W Adjustable Temperature, Solder Wire, Soldering Stand, Wire Cutter, Solder Tips, Desoldering Pump, Tweezers, Solder Paste, Heatshrink Tubes from Plusivo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S61WT16/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_27Y8H45GXJZZ18XCJTEC
I bought this one from Amazon. It came with almost everything I needed. I had never soldered before, so I felt like getting a kit was my best option, since I wasn't sure what I'd need to go with it. The only thing I recommend getting, in addition to this kit, is soldering wick to remove the original solder when removing the original battery. It comes with soldering paste, but I think it would have been easier if I would have had liquid flux instead.
I bought this one from Amazon. It came with almost everything I needed. I had never soldered before, so I felt like getting a kit was my best option, since I wasn't sure what I'd need to go with it. The only thing I recommend getting, in addition to this kit, is soldering wick to remove the original solder when removing the original battery.
Hate to admit it but I bought the cheapest kit that I could find on amazon.
The solder itself is from the kit as well, the page states that it is 63/37 Sn-Pb eutectic soldering wire.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S61WT16?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details
This kit should suffice your needs if you’re an absolute beginner. It’s what I started with, and it’s quite inexpensive so if you end up not liking soldering you don’t break your wallet with it.
Just a warning before you buy though, this one will only really melt zinc. That’s usually good enough for someone just getting into soldering programmable circuit boards though.
Soldering Iron Kit - Soldering Iron 60W Adjustable Temperature, Solder Wire, Soldering Stand, Wire Cutter, Solder Tips, Desoldering Pump, Tweezers, Solder Paste, Heatshrink Tubes from Plusivo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S61WT16/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_WN4Z62BT8WX2MTDFMQWA
These are both pretty simple and you likely won't need a very sophisticated iron to do either. The arduino can be a bit delicate but its still simple with a cheap station with basic knowledge.
Something like this would probably work fine and it comes with so much stuff too.
If you want the easy way out and you don't own a dam thing then maybe you should order a kit, but the downside of kits is you get stuck with stuff you never use and/or you don't get to pick better items and/or you might already have some of the items in the kit.
If you really want to get a kit, a kit with fewer things is an alternate way to start, then pick a better multimeter.
Also, you can go the "À la carte" approach, and pick exactly what you want.
$22.70 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/402245895210/ - multimeter
$32.75 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZY6LQDV/ - soldering station
https://old.reddit.com/r/PrintedCircuitBoard/wiki/tools - pick other things from this list
RIP Looks like you need a more powerful soldering iron iron, like a 60 watt soldering iron...
Hey I know!
Ditch your Walmart one, and get this Plusivo Soldering Kit: https://www.amazon.com/Soldering-Iron-Kit-Temperature-Desoldering/dp/B07S61WT16/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2XLQBQM20Y28B&keywords=plusivo+soldering+kit&qid=1671596687&sprefix=plusivo+soldering+ki%2Caps%2C463&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE1TkMwUURIUEZMRFEmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAwMDgyNjUxS0xCSVdFMUlOVzFSJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTEwMDc4MTExQjFDMVE0NkEyU1dRJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
I bought this one, and it has served me faithfully for the 3 years I have had it, and it's a 60 Watt iron; can confirm it can handle boards like the one in your photo.
The kit comes with a card with a url that lets you claim your own online soldering guide, so you can get that if you want.
And seeing as you probably want to use good quality solder, here is the best bang for your buck option you'll find on Amazon, and it's also sold by Plusivo: https://www.amazon.com/Solder-Wire-Rosin-Paste-Flux/dp/B08BLSJHW1/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=plusivo%2Bsolder&qid=1671596831&sr=8-2&th=1
You can choose between the 50 or 100 gram, but seeing as the 100 gram is only $1 more, I would go with that one.
You can also choose between a 0.6mm, 0.8mm, and 1.0 mm solder wire diameter, which gives you flexibility based on what you are soldering.
Happy Soldering!
Yes to all of your questions!
If you are looking to buy a kit, I recommend this one: https://www.amazon.com/Soldering-Iron-Kit-Temperature-Desoldering/dp/B07S61WT16/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=3PT2VI9ILJQJK&keywords=Plusivo&qid=1669588037&sprefix=pl%2Caps%2C690&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQUVNVzZNU0MwS0tIJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzI3MDYzMjRIUVhZQkYwSERYTSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDA3ODExMUIxQzFRNDZBMlNXUSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
It comes with everything you need to get started and do any basic projects, like soldering LED's, wires, and the like.
There are lots of videos on YouTube that explain the process in detail, just search up "How to solder" or "Beginner's guide to soldering".
As for buying kits and making stuff, you can find those on Amazon; I will link some here.
DIY Digital Clock Soldering Kit: https://www.amazon.com/WHDTS-Soldering-Practice-Electronics-Instructions/dp/B0711MHKDZ/ref=sr_1_4?crid=BFOM1NTZTOCU&keywords=digital%2Bclock%2Bsoldering%2Bkit&qid=1669588997&sprefix=digital%2Bclock%2Bsol%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-4&th=1
The above page also has some other kits available as well, pick whatever you fancy!
On top of that, you can also make things without a kit, and use parts from old devices; for example, you can DIY a solder fume extractor from a old pc fan, some carbon filter, and a power supply.
Here is a video from GreatScott!, a youtuber who does lots of DIY electronics videos, and investigates different aspects of the hobby, from sourcing component's to circuit design!
In this video he discusses desoldering and explains how to make a fume extractor:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb78wF1Tkwc
The possibilities are endless, as long as you can imagine them!
Have fun!
-ND
If you want a good iron, grab this kit: https://www.amazon.com/Soldering-Iron-Kit-Temperature-Desoldering/dp/B07S61WT16/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2JER6RC4FH6IV&keywords=plusivo+soldering+kit&qid=1668636430&sprefix=plusivo+sol%2Caps%2C357&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
It comes with everything you need, and compared to the other Chinese pencil irons I have seen, it works great.
Had mine for a year, and it hasn't failed me yet.
Also...
I practiced desoldering and soldering on dead boards, so maybe you try that first instead of going straight onto working with espensive elctronics first.
Got it a year ago, and it still works great.
Yeah this is a relic....
And yes I believe this would be safe to use
But before you plug it in, I would open up the casing and inspect all the internals to see if anything's wrong.
Check the wiring, joints, everything.
I would also use some superglue to close up that crack.
Finally, plug it into a a GFCI Socket and see if it works!
Or you can just get this soldering kit: https://www.amazon.com/Soldering-Iron-Kit-Temperature-Desoldering/dp/B07S61WT16/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2ZAGFZ1DKSF8U&keywords=plusivo+soldering+kit&qid=1668566270&sprefix=plusivo+sol%2Caps%2C357&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
And preserve the relic.
It's up to you buddy.
:)
Oh boy...
Alright...
It contains a soldering iron, and everything else you need to get started
Get the free manual, and read it thoroughly, and make sure to watch plenty of videos before you attempt this.
Preferrably practice on a broken circuit board, or grab a practice kit from amazon first, as you don't want to mess up the circuit board.
Yeah you always want to apply extra flux, as flux is what make the solder harden into the ideal shape for a joint, which is what you want.
Also... The pencil Iron you bought broke after a single use?
I bought this pencil iron from Plusivo, have had it for over a year, and have never had it break done on me: https://www.amazon.com/Soldering-Iron-Kit-Temperature-Desoldering/dp/B07S61WT16/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1ND4ZTEBSYWDN&keywords=plusivo+soldering+kit&qid=1668473969&sprefix=plusivo%2Caps%2C403&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
Plus all the other goodies really make it worth it!
I didn't see the need for a soldering station that was likely to break down due to being made of complete Chinesium and having horrible QC, as that's what makes up that $40-$60 price point on Amazon
As for Soldering Station Care...
Make sure to Tin your tip with solder when you are done with a soldering session, which means to just melt some solder onto the tip, let it roll over and cover the tip, and then let the iron cool down.
This is to protect against tip oxidation while the iron is and isn't in use.
Make sure to regularly dust it though, as dust is the enemy of electronics.
And make sure to keep the station in tip top shape, and wipe it down regularly to prevent anything from leaving stains or getting inside.
And when you run out of solder, grab this good value kit to keep you stocked up (I personally use this solder, it's great): https://www.amazon.com/Solder-Wire-Rosin-Paste-Kit/dp/B07T2MKM23/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2OLF7ENEN5TJ5&keywords=plusivo+solder&qid=1668474658&sprefix=plusivo+solder%2Caps%2C258&sr=8-6
Remember to c lean flux off of your board once your done soldering on them, and that's about it!
(Also maybe get a fume extractor? It keeps the flux smoke from damaging your lungs)
-ND
totally understand.. I hesitated for a long time, and spent more than necessary
but Im really glad I finally learned to swap my own LEDs.. its fun for me.. but, Im not sure it saves me money.. lol
anyway.. here is a really inexpensive starter kit.. https://www.amazon.com/Soldering-Iron-Kit-Temperature-Desoldering/dp/B07S61WT16
I have not tried it, but at least some of it might be useable
here is another good entry level, modding supplies post https://www.reddit.com/r/flashlight/comments/ujn9do/my_path_to_modding_or_how_i_found_a_way_to_spend/
or if you decide to pay a modder, I recommend Adair21
I didn't have any soldering experience and I've soldered/replaced an XB360 Disc drive w/ it's chipsets, two XB1 controllers (bumpers and buttons), a Elite 1 controller (joystick analog box, both bumper buttons, bumper plastic, and rubber grips), and an Elite 2 controller (joystick analog box & right bumper button).
Trust me, if you have patience, you can do it.
I've used this cheap Amazon 60W Solder Kit.
If you're going to work on small stuff like this, I'd recommend picking up a "Helping Hands" as well. First repair without them was a pain in the ass because you have to hold the PCB/circuit board at certain angles to easily remove the solder on the pins with the solder sucker.
Hey Snoo.
Glad you wanna try Soldering!
I bought this kit off Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Soldering-Iron-Kit-Temperature-Desoldering/dp/B07S61WT16/ref=sr\_1\_2\_sspa?crid=2SVMS16B64AVM&keywords=soldering+kit&qid=1660017507&sprefix=solde%2Caps%2C509&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhb...), and it is absolutely amazing for the price.
It has yet to fail me, just let the soldering iron rest every 20-30 min.
*Plusivo is underrated*
About a year ago, I did my first S2+ triple build, and have spiraled into doing emitter swaps and lots more mods. Looking at my handy spreadsheet, it looks like i've done ~90 emitter reflows (26 S2+, 15 FWxx, 5 Hanks) in the past year! I never would have done so without the encouragement and help from many of the people here.
To enter, just respond with a top-level comment of what your first build would be! My only request is that you post when you put your light together. That's it! I'll randomly select a winner on Sunday morning-ish.
What you'll get:
basic amazon soldering kit: This is the iron i got started with, and it was great for the first ~25 swaps or so, and is still perfectly usable. I'll send the basic iron with temp control, a stand, tweezers, solder wire, a fresh tip, some thermal compound, and some other misc stuff. (If i was to buy one today to get started, i'd go with this bigger kit: https://www.amazon.com/Soldering-Iron-Kit-Temperature-Desoldering/dp/B07S61WT16)
host: pick one from black Convoy S2+, purple Convoy T3, silver Convoy C8+. If you pick the S2+, i'll send a triple mcpcb (and DIY copper spacer), a single emitter mcpcb for the T3 or C8+.
emitters: sst20 4000k, 219b sw45k, 519a 5700k, 219c 4000k, 219c 5000k, cslnm1. it's whatever i have on hand, and this list may change. I personally like 219b sw45k triple in the S2+, cslnm1 in the T3, and cslnm1 or sft40 in the C8+.
driver: 1 Convoy 5A 12-group driver for most applications. 7135*8 if a single emitter needs less current, or a 14500/AA in the T3 if you prefer.
misc: DIY copper spacer (if triple), appropriate optic(s), a few pre-cut glow tape gaskets, some glow tape, and whatever other random little things i think might help you on your journey.
And most importantly, I want to express my gratitude to all the inviting, helpful, thoughtful people on this sub who make it truly feel like a community.
Bite the bullet and purchase a cheap soldering iron which will come in handy in the future as well. That one has everything you need to get going for $20.
yeah, they evidently have blemishes.
To put one together, you don't need very many things:
that's it! you just need to solder the red wire to the + and the black wire to the -, and you're good to go.
Soldering Iron Kit - Soldering Iron 60W Adjustable Temperature, Solder Wire, Soldering Stand, Wire Cutter, Solder Tips, Desoldering Pump, Tweezers, Solder Paste, Heatshrink Tubes from Plusivo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S61WT16/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CXCNRPSHDN27AV7JK315
Precision Screwdriver Set Phone... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HH9CS3B?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
These 2 kits are pretty good starters. Has p retty much everything you’ll need for electronics repair aside from a heat gun or iopener. YouTube is a great educational source and be familiar with do’s and don’ts when it comes to electrical components.
These things always look scary, but I promise that if your capable of dissembling a console you'll be able to fix this. Pick up an inexpensive soldering kit like this ($20) a pair of wire strippers like this and follow the direction of a reputable YouTube video guide in basic soldering. You'll be up and running in 15 minutes, I promise! I taught myself to solder the same way earlier this year and now I feel like a god. You'll do great!
I mean it could, but not having a temp control will make things harder than they need to be.
This was the first solder iron I purchased and it helped me learn how to actually solder and make mistakes, before I bought a nicer setup. Also found this one and it seems cool tbh.
I’ve been using a 10$ soldering iron on all my boards with no issues. Here’s the link if anyones interested
FGFAFAT, I just finished modding my Sensei Ten with Kailh 8.0 switches & a paracable. Trust me on the switches. DO IT. They're WAAAAY better. It's worth the DIY time investment.
Here is some resources for you. I used this youtube video for a tutorial on how to desolder + solder the switches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZwq3PA2JPg&list=PLrp5gTUGG67Deg6vImub11pz8s4dZTFcw&index=20
This is the solder kit I bought. All the stuff is comes with is super helpful.
However, note the sucker sucks (basically doesn't work, not enough sucking force) & the iron isn't that good either. It did get the job done though with some extra effort. You may want to shop around for better option but the kit itself was great: it came with wire, handy (mini) tools & some extra wire shrink. All of it was super helpful: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S61WT16?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
This is the soldering iron I bought to work on Pebbles. The tip is extremely fine and works well on the tiny solder pads that attach the battery and vibration motor. I've used it a lot and it has held up well so far. I had no expectations it would last this long, figured I'd have to replace it every few months. It also comes with a bunch of other tools that are very handy for working on Pebbles, mainly a very fine pair of wire cutters and two pairs of tweezers so pointy you can draw blood if you're not careful how you use them.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S61WT16/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also bought this to hold the mainboard so I could hold the soldering iron in one hand and the battery lead in the other. It is out of stock at Amazon now but something similar should still be available.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083SFWLW7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Finally, I bought a mat to prevent damage to my tabletop and to keep track of small parts like screws. This one has held up to the hot iron, razor blades and all manner of abuse.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073RFB6BX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That should be all you need to do the kind of fine soldering that tiny electronic devices like the Pebbles require.
Agree try and watch some "how to solder" videos on youtube. If you don't have a good solder iron and you plan to work on electrical designs in the future it's worth the investment. You can get a good one for low cost. This one is $18. When you're ready to go pro or want to buy good gear get this one next.
It seems that your comment contains 1 or more links that are hard to tap for mobile users. I will extend those so they're easier for our sausage fingers to click!
Here is link number 1 - Previous text "kit"
^Please ^PM ^\/u\/eganwall ^with ^issues ^or ^feedback! ^| ^Code ^| ^Delete
No I didn't I went for something similar to what the person above suggested. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S61WT16/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_C814YXRGSVZ8B3YHSKSJ
Was the switch I used.
Soldering Iron Kit - Soldering Iron 60W Adjustable Temperature, Solder Wire, Soldering Stand, Wire Cutter, Solder Tips, Desoldering Pump, Tweezers, Rosin, Heatshrink Tubes [110V, US Plug] from Plusivo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S61WT16/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4XEYEZC6CNMC0CAJX80K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
For the soldering kit.
I would recommend one of the stations that has clamps or arms to hold the board too if you don’t have another person to hold it for you
I have two lose cables that are causing one side to not work, if I wiggle the cable it will briefly produce sound.
I've never soldered before so I have zero clue where to start or what to use, if anyone has any suggestions for cheap equipment please let me know.
(is this good enough https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S61WT16/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bLnoFb98G4JJJ)
I want to reconnect the lose wires and then mod them to have a removable 3.5 mm cable with a conducter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0833WYLWQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tKnoFbWA2KGZV
I also heard about using parallel and series filters, no clue where to buy these, to mod them even more
http://www.rock-grotto.co.uk/HD681.pdf
I want to turn this mishap into a fun project and any advice is more than helpful
I'm buying from Ebay. It looks like there are several big japanese sellers (for nintendo and playstation at least) that are moving large quantities of busted consoles on a regular basis. you want to add the term "junk" to any listings you search for.
​
Here is the tools I bought:
Cheap soldering iron kit. I kind of regret purchasing this as others at this price point have an on/off switch. However the kit has a lot of extra stuff (especially the tweezers) so I'll probably install a switch eventually unless I feel a need to upgrade it. Haven't really thought through how to do that considering i need to solder to do it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S61WT16/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Organization mat - i accidentally bought 2 of these at a little over $5 a piece. I don't regret it as having 2 is nice.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DGVJ17H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Screwdriver kit i bought. Recommended by a popular youtuber. I figure that the major chokepoint would be having the right bits and a comfortably screwdriver. After taking apart a few consoles I wasn't wrong and wouldn't have gotten anywhere without this. Most important tool I have for this hobby.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZH6CH9D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Universal power supply where i can change voltage and polarity. Basically can use this to power pretty much whatever console I buy. Not super necessary but makes testing easier.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QVXYBDC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
​
Desolder wire. Purchased this immediately after my first chip replacement attempt. The desoldering pump that came with the soldering kit clearly doesnt work when dealing with such small amounts of solder (due to component size) and this wire/braid style looks pretty good on youtube.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KQAI7SG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
​
​
Items i'm eyeballing pretty hard:
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Microscope that lets you see much easier. Also can take pictures or video which would be invaluable for consoles i'm not familiar with in my opinion.
​
Looking for a decent electronics scraping/cleaning kit right now for when the 12 gameboys get to me. I want to spend ~$10 and amazon seems to have a couple of options in that range.
Also, i need to buy some IPA. My wife had 90% (for makeup removal i think) but its running low and I need 99% anyway.