Proper technique for tinning points on an Xbox motherboard

[Jago151]

I've been watching a few videos on RGH installs and had question regarding tinning points on the xbox motherboard. If you look at this video:

http://youtu.be/f5ZyNtEv074

Around 5:20 the installer starts tinning points on the motherboard. My question is given how he's applying the solder to tin the point is he using the right technique? If not then what is the proper technique for tinning points on a motherboard/PCB?

 

[jligg]

No that is a terrible soldering. You notice how his solder is spiking? He needs to be using flux..first you wanna flux your point, then tin your iron, then apply the tip to the point and add in solder.

 

[Jago151]

No that is a terrible soldering. You notice how his solder is spiking? He needs to be using flux..first you wanna flux your point, then tin your iron, then apply the tip to the point and add in solder.

I see. I remember watching some video that stated that you shouldn't put solder on the iron tip and then carry it over to whatever it is you're trying to solder. The thing is I haven't been able to find any video examples that show how to tin a point on a motherboard.

 

[xzanox]

Watch this in the sticky linked: http://team-xecuter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74165

 

[wizpanda]

The thing is I haven't been able to find any video examples that show how to tin a point on a motherboard.

points on mobo that are covered with the green coating or solder pads require light work. Gently "scratch" pad with maybe a precision flathead screwdriver tip, dont use sandpaper cause it will be likely ruin the point...use a q tip with some alcohol to wipe points followed by a small amount of flux on each point...and the point is ready. If a point has solder then just a lil flux on it and it should be fine to proceed...

 

[BL4K3Y]

points on mobo that are covered with the green coating or solder pads require light work. Gently "scratch" pad with maybe a precision flathead screwdriver tip

Expose the points properly using a fibreglass scratch pen.

If you use a screwdriver and your hand slips, you will probably rip through traces on the motherboard.

 

[Jago151]

Expose the points properly using a fibreglass scratch pen.

Any recommendations for a fibreglass scratch pen? Also if the guy in the video only tinned the points/pads and didn't expose them with the pen then how did the connection still work?

 

[jdoe91011]

Any recommendations for a fibreglass scratch pen? Also if the guy in the video only tinned the points/pads and didn't expose them with the pen then how did the connection still work?

I use a fiberglass scratch pen first on all motherboard solder points.

Before doing so, look very closely at the point you are about to clean up with the fiberglass scratch pen. There are most likely tiny traces leading to that point, and if you aren't careful, you could break them. Make note of where they are and try to avoid them. Go slowly, carefully, and lightly; clean up the area with a q tip and 91% rubbing alcohol before and after doing so.

As far as a suggestion for a fiberglass scratch pen?.........Xecuter makes one, believe it or not. They are the ones I use and are pretty good. They are available from Xconsoles for about $5.

 

[Jago151]

I use a fiberglass scratch pen first on all motherboard solder points.

Before doing so, look very closely at the point you are about to clean up with the fiberglass scratch pen. There are most likely tiny traces leading to that point, and if you aren't careful, you could break them. Make note of where they are and try to avoid them. Go slowly, carefully, and lightly; clean up the area with a q tip and 91% rubbing alcohol before and after doing so.

As far as a suggestion for a fiberglass scratch pen?.........Xecuter makes one, believe it or not. They are the ones I use and are pretty good. They are available from Xconsoles for about $5.

So everyone who doesn't clean up the points with a fiberglass pen is soldering to the board incorrectly? From what I've read so far a lot of people have said that you only need the fiberglass pen to correct mistakes.

 

[Utmad]

No the fibre glass pen is cleaning lacquer or corrosion from the points, then you blow the dust away then apply flux then apply nice new solder to tin the points.

Look at this item number on Ebay this is whatyou want 281178279715

 

[wizpanda]

Sry about that, I shouldnt have recommended my method with the precision screwdriver...i`m so accustomed using it...

 

[Krafter]

Before I broke down and bought a fiberglass pin, I used a scalpel to scratch with. It's all about the care you take while doing it. A fiberglass pen does make it a lot easier but isn't always necessary. Just be very careful. And I agree that using a screwdriver can go wrong very quickly.

 

[Jago151]

Is using a fiberglass pen mentioned in any of the tutorials? This is the first time I've ever heard of using one for the RGH install.

 

[Utmad]

It is standard procedure for ant soldering work.

 

[Krafter]

Is using a fiberglass pen mentioned in any of the tutorials? This is the first time I've ever heard of using one for the RGH install.

Does a fiberglass pen come in handy? Yes
Is it necessary for an RGH install? No

Buy one if you wish to. I and many, many others have done installs without one. If it were me and just doing a one time install I wouldn't bother. If it were me and getting into circuit board repair where I had to remove lacquer from the boards then ya I'd buy one. The truth is, the points you are going to be soldering to are already exposed and applying flux should be sufficient. Some may disagree with me but I've never had an issue using that method.

 

[xzanox]

I always, for example, scratch The NAND, post out points, demon etc before I tin those points. Because sometimes some points (very rare btw, but it happens) are easier to tin with the first layer scratched off then others. And besides that, It only takes a few seconds extra, but you're pretty sure of a nice and secure install.

Definitely not necessary, but I like to do things as perfect as i can do. Some will also say, cleaning flux after tinning is not necessary, but I always do that too. Then flux it again when I'm connecting the wires. Etc etc. I think if you make your own correct process of the steps that need to be taken, you'll make less mistakes, especially when you discipline the process.

 

[Krafter]

I always, for example, scratch The NAND, post out points, demon etc before I tin those points. Because sometimes some points (very rare btw, but it happens) are easier to tin with the first layer scratched off then others. And besides that, It only takes a few seconds extra, but you're pretty sure of a nice and secure install.

Definitely not necessary, but I like to do things as perfect as i can do. Some will also say, cleaning flux after tinning is not necessary, but I always do that too. Then flux it again when I'm connecting the wires. Etc etc. I think if you make your own correct process of the steps that need to be taken, you'll make less mistakes, especially when you discipline the process.

It drives me nuts when people don't cleanup after themselves. I save my old toothbrushes and use those with 91% isopropyl alcohol and go to town.

Tools to cleanup with is something I do highly recommend.

 

[Jago151]

Since I've already picked up a lot if other soldering tools Ill get the fiberglass pen as well. Thanks to everyone for your insightful responses.

 

[jdoe91011]

It drives me nuts when people don't cleanup after themselves. I save my old toothbrushes and use those with 91% isopropyl alcohol and go to town.

Tools to cleanup with is something I do highly recommend.

I always, for example, scratch The NAND, post out points, demon etc before I tin those points. Because sometimes some points (very rare btw, but it happens) are easier to tin with the first layer scratched off then others. And besides that, It only takes a few seconds extra, but you're pretty sure of a nice and secure install.

Definitely not necessary, but I like to do things as perfect as i can do. Some will also say, cleaning flux after tinning is not necessary, but I always do that too. Then flux it again when I'm connecting the wires. Etc etc. I think if you make your own correct process of the steps that need to be taken, you'll make less mistakes, especially when you discipline the process.

Fully agree with both of you