2. Energy Conversions

Basic soldering method

(Note: These instructions assume you are soldering thru-hole components on a printed circuit board)
Begin with a damp sponge. Heat the soldering tip, wipe it off on the sponge lightly, and apply solder to the tip and back about 3/8 inch. Repeat this light tinning process every time you begin a session of soldering.

Push the component leads thru the holes in the board completely and bend them back slightly to hold the component on the board.

Note: (If you are installing components vertically, leave about 1/8 inch between the bottom of the component and the board. If you don't, a small push on the component will snap it off due to leverage available to the vertical orientation.)

With a very small solder blob on tip for thermal coupling, hold the soldering iron tip against both the wire and circuit board foil at 45 to 60 degree angle.