Toolkit

[Berne]

Hi All,
First post, This is for home use only Id like to price a basic motherboard tooling kit for checking the functionality of mainboard components only, if not too expensive. List all the tools required please apart from 30W soldering iron.

Also what grade of solders should be used for various jobs that a motherboard might require.

Just browsing the issue at the minute.

All good advice welcome.

Berne

[stj]

Re: Toolkit

autoranging digital meter for voltage, resistance etc.
get one with a diode-test on it - probably 10-15€

esr meter - see other threads.

solder - .5 or .7mm on a 250gram roll - dont fuck around with small packs.
i recommend lead free, silver loaded.
probably something like 96% tin, 3% silver, 1% copper.
something like 15€ a roll.

if you change your profile so we know where you are, i could be more helpfull.

[kaniki]

Re: Toolkit

Dont forget some solder braid/wick (same thing, 2 different names) or a solder sucker for removing the old solder.

The reason that it is important is solder can become less pliable or flexible the more that it is reheated, which can make it harder top work with too, so best to use new solder on a joint. there have been discussions about this too.

and a little flux (dont need a huge container as this goes a long way)

solder - .5 or .7mm on a 250gram roll - dont fuck around with small packs.
i recommend lead free, silver loaded.
probably something like 96% tin, 3% silver, 1% copper.

i would say that the use that you are going to use it for is going to depend on the size of container that you buy. If you are planning on only doing a couple of small jobs, then a small container is fine, but if you plan on doing a lot of soldering later, then get the bigger roll. You do not need a lot of something small like replacing a couple capacitors, but if will start adding up quick if you start doing dozens of them. take into consideration your abilities and if you will use a lot before you buy the roll. and just remember, solder does not go bad, but at the same time if you only replace 5 caps then buying a big roll is a waste.

[Krankshaft]

Re: Toolkit

Get name brand solder like Kester the flux is EVERYTHING when it comes to solder.

Cheaper no names will use cheaper flux which leads to substandard joints.

Get a solder with Rosin based flux the no clean stuff makes horrible joints.

I'd stay away from the lead free stuff unless you have a temperature regulated iron that can handle it the soldering temps are HIGHER for lead free and it doesn't flow as easily.

Unless you're in EU jurisdiction with that ROHS crap use leaded.

[Berne]

Re: Toolkit

Hi ,
Got a solder sucker. I have ample solder 0.7 Sn99 Cu 0.7 with A11flux, EU spec.

Lastly I think it would be wise to get a capacitance meter, this one has a cap range of 500nf to 3000uf (Meterman PMFX P51), when cap is removed by applying + and - terms I will be able to read if capacitor is gone or not right? This cap range will be ample Im sure. What is the average range of Caps used in Motherboards? I dont think one can measure the validity of a cap while its in the board cheaply ....only tool here is an expensive scope am I right?

Will source braid, ESR meter will read threads, then update.

Thanks,

Berne

[stj]

Re: Toolkit

you can get a good combined cap & esr meter for cheap from the russian guy - do a search.

btw, A11 is active flux, so make sure you clean it off after with IPA.

[Berne]

Re: Toolkit

Hi STJ,
Can you be more specific on how I can contact therussian, I searched but only got a few threads but no mention of The Russian? Also what is IPA?

Berne

[stj]

Re: Toolkit

IPA = IsoPropyl Alcahol

russian guy:
http://www.radiodevices.ru/esr/esr4.htm

[Radio Fox]

Re: Toolkit

Hi STJ,
Can you be more specific on how I can contact therussian, I searched but only got a few threads but no mention of The Russian?...

RusMike is a member of these forums. You can email or PM him from his profile:-

https://www.badcaps.net/forum/member.php?userid=12802

[Berne]

Re: Toolkit

Ok , thank you. Lastly are there any other basic tools I should consider for other parts of the board within reason for home use only?

Regards,

Berne