HD650 and possibly speakers (in the future) - Crack or SEX?

Joseph,

I was going by the auction.  Usually if it is eutectic it says so.  I have seen a link which calls out all the solder percentages that are eutectic.  I couldn't find it.  So let's assume it is. 

As I said, Eutectic makes good solder joints easier.  It doesn't in any way mean a non-euctectic solder makes bad solder joints.
 
Yes, its the alloy, and yes get a few sizes. Here is one for less then, 2 lb (sorry don't have the symbol handy)...John

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/63-37-Tin-Lead-0-8mm-Rosin-Core-Flux-Solder-Soldering-Wire-Reel/400490999447?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D18216%26meid%3D2130945952500350899%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D8342%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D350657833849%26 
 
Sorry to resurrect an old thread. I just thought I'd run over my shopping list since my order has been dispatched and should be here soon!
It turned out my Dad's Soldering Iron wasn't suitable, so I also have to buy one now.
15W Solder w/ stand
63/37 0.8mm Solder
Desoldering Wick
I'm also hoping to pick up a test PCB board (with just a bunch of holes in) and some resistors/capacitors and practice a bit of soldering before I start on the S.E.X., along with some other width solder, just to see if I prefer one size over the other.
Any last advice before I stop bothering you guys?
Thanks for all the advice and help, everyone!
 
15 Watts is kind of low.  You would have to leave the iron terminals, tube pins and circuit board traces for quite a while to get a good solder joint.  You want to melt the solder, count to three after it melts to let the two pieces of metal bond to the solder and then remove the iron.

Maybe something like this where you can adjust the heat?  $39.99 on sale:

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/WELLER-WLC100-/21-3475
 
Forty bucks for a WLC100?

Buy it - :)

I have been using mine for 10 years now and paid $60 for it.  It's adjustable for low heat for PC boards and if you crank it all the way up you have enough heat to solder ground lugs screwed to the aluminum chassis plate.

Great tool!
 
Grainger49 said:
15 Watts is kind of low.  You would have to leave the iron terminals, tube pins and circuit board traces for quite a while to get a good solder joint.  You want to melt the solder, count to three after it melts to let the two pieces of metal bond to the solder and then remove the iron.

Maybe something like this where you can adjust the heat?  $39.99 on sale:

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/WELLER-WLC100-/21-3475
Click to expand...

As great of a deal (and a great piece of kit), I'm in the UK, and I can't even find that for sale over here. There's on on eBay, but it's about $85 when you add on shipping/import taxes.

I was worried about the low wattage, though, so thanks for pointing that out!
 
I looked at your link.  Then searched the site for a more powerful iron.  None of them come out and say what power they are. 

I suspect that the Weller From MCM would be really expensive delivered to the UK.  But it would be worth your time to check.  The exchange rate should help. 
 
Really cheap option is one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Variable-Temperature-Soldering-Station-Iron-Kit-NEW-/120730956097?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item1c1c203141  i bought one recently and really cant fault it.  Will produce more heat than you know what to do with (50w), i've used it for everything from SMD circuit boards to unsoldering transformers/inductors from PCB's with 1/4" thick solder tracks. It also uses removable tips which are cheap should you need to replace them.  With a large wedge tip it would be perfect for assembling a Crack IMO.
 
I did look at MCM, but they don't seem to ship the UK. It seems hard to find these sorts of supplies over here. Maybe there's some secret store in unaware of, but either way, I'm not having too much luck.

mcandmar said:
Really cheap option is one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Variable-Temperature-Soldering-Station-Iron-Kit-NEW-/120730956097?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item1c1c203141  i bought one recently and really cant fault it.  Will produce more heat than you know what to do with (50w), i've used it for everything from SMD circuit boards to unsoldering transformers/inductors from PCB's with 1/4" thick solder tracks. It also uses removable tips which are cheap should you need to replace them.  With a large wedge tip it would be perfect for assembling a Crack IMO.
Click to expand...

This, especially for the price, looks really good. I think it might worth ordering that, the other pieces I linked above, and then just having a go with it to see how it is.

Again, thank you everyone for your help. No one has yet made me feel stupid or been unhelpful. Such an amazing community.

Quick edit: Is it worth me a getting a multimeter for the sake of testing?
 
Joseph,

There were, back a decade ago when I joined, a few Bottleheads in and around London.  One, Gaspode, lived in Windsor.

I don't know if there are any Bottleheads active now in that area.  Maybe you could post in the General folder asking for Bottleheads near you, or just in the 240V/50 Hz areas who can help you.
 
I live in Switzerland. DIY is not that much in fashion, so I order a lot here: http://www.hificollective.co.uk/

Michael
 
Only proper supplier we have in Ireland is Radionics radionics.rs-online.com , but for a majority of items they dont list i use Mouser and pay the $40 shipping charge.  You do get free shipping if you buy over $40 worth of parts so i tend to build up a big list of parts i need and order in batches.  Its a dangerous site to browse as you can easily end up with basket bloat.

I have also used Hificollective for audio bits and bobs http://www.hificollective.co.uk/ ,
 
I've taken a look over the various sites, but ended up finding something on Amazon through one the "recommended" sections.

If I don't get the cheaper one (from above: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Variable-Temperature-Soldering-Station-Iron-Kit-NEW-/120730956097?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item1c1c203141), I might get this (more expensive) one on Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004X25LW8/ref=s9_simh_gw_p60_d2_i3?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1PZ994K76YKDAKCQCP2R&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=430153987&pf_rd_i=468294#productDetails

I've ordered the solder and the desoldering wick for now.

Again, on the multimeter, how's this? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Compact-Digital-Multitester-With-Diode/dp/B000L0RINQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1383599535&sr=8-2&keywords=multimeter It looks the same to the one I used in Physics, and should be useful for debugging?
 
The upscale soldering station looks impressive.  I would lean toward that one. 

The meter should do you.  A meter is a must for checking out the kit before turning it on.  Then you need voltage measurements when you turn it on.  So, you really can't do without one.

If you decide to go further with this hobby I always recommend a used Fluke meter.  If it is being sold for parts, you don't want it.  If it says working it is a good one.  But first you need to decide if this is for you.  Most guys catch the bug.

Good luck!
 
How about Maplin, I know they are a big parts suppler to the U.K. Don't know if they sell tools though...John
 
Right, I'll order the cheaper multimeter, the more expensive soldering iron (I'll hold off a day or 2, just in case).

Thanks for the multimeter recommendation. They're a little expensive, but I'm sure I'll get in to it more soon so I'll keep an eye out :)

I originally looked at Maplin, but their website is crap (as are most, by the looks of it), so I kind of gave up.

On the original topic: the S.E.X. Is there a way I can have 2 phono inputs to the S.E.X.? I'd like to have the options of having my PC soundcard and my turntable. No worries if not; it's just a convenience thing.
 
That solder station looks like a bargain, just be sure to pick up some spare tips, i tend to use a 2mm wedge tip for almost everything.

I was never a fan of Maplin, never have a great stock and the prices are always over inflated. Amazon or ebay are usually a better option.
 
mcandmar said:
That solder station looks like a bargain, just be sure to pick up some spare tips, i tend to use a 2mm wedge tip for almost everything.

I was never a fan of Maplin, never have a great stock and the prices are always over inflated. Amazon or ebay are usually a better option.
Click to expand...

Yeh, the more I look, the better that deal looks. I was looking at extra tips, but I'm not 100% which to buy that will fit, so I'm going to either wait until I get it and measure/whatever to figure it out, or do a little research.

I'm also not much of a fan of Maplin for the same reasons. Ironically, this is sold by Maplin, on Amazon. Generally, yes, it seems Amazon or eBay are the best over in the UK.
 
I just have to say that I've always had very good service from hificollective, especially for a guy on the other side of the pond.

Also in the UK you can find a brand of soldering station called Soloman (spellig?) that is very good. I had one for the longest time and really liked it.

HTH,

Jim
 
Jim R. said:
I just have to say that I've always had very good service from hificollective, especially for a guy on the other side of the pond.

Also in the UK you can find a brand of soldering station called Soloman (spellig?) that is very good. I had one for the longest time and really liked it.

HTH,

Jim
Click to expand...

I took a look at Solomon, but I can't find where to buy these easily in the UK, so for now, I'll go with the station linked above.

Another thing I've thought of (it's starting to build up now!): Will I need a wirestripper? I've not added that to my shopping list yet
 
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