Importance of soldering iron temperature for RGH/JTAG work?

[Jago151]

So I'm considering one of the following soldering irons for my first RGH:

Hakko FX888D
Weller WP25 Professional 25Watts/120V Soldering Iron

The Hakko model has variable temperature control whereas the Weller model does not. That being said, outside of damaging the motherboard with too much heat, what are the advantages of having a variable temperature controlled soldering iron? Also, if I were to get the Hakko, what temperature should I set the iron to while doing the RGH install?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ian H]

Hi, I'd go for the temp controlled one, there a lot more predictable and you shouldn't lift pads with one. Temperature can vary a lot on what sort of solder your using etc, and the best advice is to get some old pc/ tv boards and practice a lot until your confident to do your xbox.
Hope it helps
Ian

 

[AllyNerd]

I use the weller 35 watt

 

[Jago151]

Thanks. I have one of those beginners soldering kits and I'll fool around with that first then I'll probably work with an old PC/VCR board before working on my Xbox.

I read somewhere that the ideal temperature for the iron should be between 350 - 400. Has anyone heard the same before?

 

[Jago151]

I use the weller 35 watt

I see. If there's no temperature control on the iron, how do you know when it's too hot to place on the motherboard?

 

[AllyNerd]

I see. If there's no temperature control on the iron, how do you know when it's too hot to place on the motherboard?

35 watt won't get to hot. Good soldering technique and flux is the key. When u leave ur iron on the point too long is when u start getting in trouble. I like to get in and get out fast with my connections prolonged heat is no bueno. sh*t I heard Oggy say he used a 75 watt before

but you should prob go with the hakko to give u some flexibility

 

[Jago151]

35 watt won't get to hot. Good soldering technique and flux is the key. When u leave ur iron on the point too long is when u start getting in trouble. I like to get in and get out fast with my connections prolonged heat is no bueno. sh*t I heard Oggy say he used a 75 watt before

but you should prob go with the hakko to give u some flexibility

I've heard that getting in and out as quick as possible with soldering the points is a good idea. But if a 25w or 35w iron is good enough then why would I want a variable temperature iron?

 

[gavin_darkglide]

I use a 15 watt for all of my xbox mods. It gives you a little wiggle room on the smaller points.

 

[morinzo]

I use a 60 watt Aouye 9378

 

[WildCard007]

I have a Hakko FX 951 and I love it. I've had a lot of issues with other soldering irons (15w, 30w, 40w, etc.) that haven't been as reliable. They would work for a while then poop out. I prefer the temperature controlled feature because I know I'm not going to do damage to the board if I keep it at a good temp. When I solder I keep it at 330 C, but it comes in handy having something that can give me more or less depending on what I need.

Flux and skill are very important but having something extra that can help you on your way is always a big plus.

 

[CptKlink]

I personally used a 30 watt radioshack special and worked fine for me.

 

[Antalpromille]

I've heard that getting in and out as quick as possible with soldering the points is a good idea. But if a 25w or 35w iron is good enough then why would I want a variable temperature iron?

Dont worry about the power of the iron, as long as enough to melt the solder on the PCB. What you should worry about is the condition of the tip, what flux works for you, learning the theory behind good soldering and practice it! Keep your gear in good condition .

 

[Oggy]

Model No. FX951
Power consumption 75W
Temperature range 200-450ºC
Temperature stability ±5ºC at idle temperature

A 75w soldering iron at 350ºC is still the same temperature as a 30w iron at 350ºC.

It can regulate the temp better though, my 35w weller was too weak to desolder stuff as the braid absorbed the heat faster than the iron could provide it.