Plusivo Soldering Kit User manual
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Safety Precautions 1
2.1. Safety Summary 2
3. Tools for Soldering and Desoldering 4
3.1. Introduction 4
3.2. The Soldering Iron 4
3.3. The Solder 5
3.4. The Desoldering Pump 6
3.5. The Soldering Wick 7
3.6. The soldering Iron Stand 7
3.7. Tweezers 8
3.8. Soldering Iron Tip Set 8
3.9. Mini Wire Stripper Tool 9
3.10. Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 9
3.11 Digital Multimeter 9
4. Creating Awesome Soldering Joints 14
4.1. General Guidelines for Soldering 14
4.2 Safety Tips when Soldering Components 14
4.3. Preparations before Soldering 16
4.4. What To Do and Not To Do When Soldering 18
4.5. How To Solder THT Components 22
4.6. Common Solder Joint Issues 24
4.7. Soldering Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Components 28
4.8. Advanced Tricks for Soldering Surface Mount Devices 31
5. Mistake? Just desolder it! 34
5.1. Introduction 34
5.2. Preparations 34
5.3. How To Desolder 35
6. How to Solder Wires Together 39
6.1. Introduction 39
6.2. Preparing the Wires to be Soldered 39
6.3. Soldering the Wires Together 41
7. Soldering Tip Cleaning and Maintenance 43
7.1. Soldering Tip Cleaning 43
7.2. Soldering Tip Maintenance 44
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1. Introduction
In this book you will learn to master the art of soldering electronic parts, including how to
avoid common pitfalls of soldering, how to choose the appropriate tools and how to
accomplish the best result possible with the least amount of effort. Included also are safety
tips that one must consider in order to avoid untoward accident when doing the soldering
job.
By reading this book, in just one hour, you will learn what most professional engineers and
technicians know about soldering.
2. Safety Precautions
Protecting oneself at all times is always utmost priority and electronics is no fun anymore if
there will be untoward accident when doing the soldering job. With soldering, the main safety
hazard is related to the high temperature of the soldering iron tip. Other safety precautions
that you should take into consideration are related to the fumes generated that are harmful
to your eyes and lungs, the hot solder splashes that might cause injury to yourself as well as
to other people around you and the toxic soldering materials being handled that you might
ingest if not careful.
The product we sell is safe when used properly but you as the end-user has also a big part
and responsibility to ensure that no harm or damage (both ways) will result in using the
product. Make sure you follow these rules when using the soldering iron and during the
soldering process.
1. Always protect yourself at all times by wearing safety eyeglasses.
2. Always solder in a well ventilated area or work with a fume extractor so that you do
not inhale the fumes released during the soldering process.
3. Never leave the soldering iron un-attended while it is powered on
4. Unplug the soldering iron when you’re not going to use it for the next 10 minutes or
so.
5. Use the holder as stand for your soldering iron and do not place it elsewhere, it might
cause accidental fire.
6. Do not solder live circuits.
7. Do not touch flammable items (e.g. alcohol, solvents, paper, wood, etc) with the hot
soldering iron tip and keep them away from your work space
8. Make sure that the hot soldering iron tip does not touch the power supply cord.
9. Keep your fingers and skin away from the hot soldering iron tip
10. Do not touch the parts immediately after soldering, they might still be hot
11. Do not eat while soldering nor lick your fingers or put any soldering materials or tools
in the mouth.
12. Always wash your hands after soldering
13. If something unusual happens or if you suspect that something is wrong or has
malfunctioned, do not do anything with the product and immediately contact the seller
for assistance.
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3. Tools for Soldering and Desoldering
3.1. Introduction
In this chapter we are going to cover the safety precautions first, followed with the usage of
each tool. We will explain how to choose the best tool for the job, how to use the tools safely
and how to obtain the best results in practice.
Adjustable Temperature
Soldering Iron
Soldering Iron Stand
Desoldering Pump
Solder Tube Solder Wick Anti ESD Tweezers
Soldering Iron Tip Set Mini Wire Stripper Tool Printed Circuit Board
3.2. The Soldering Iron
There are a number of soldering irons that you can use and choosing appropriate iron
depends primarily on the way that you'll utilize it and the kind of activities or projects you
plan to do. When selecting iron to use, the three most essential considerations are
temperature, wattage, and the soldering iron tip.
For best results we recommend that you use an adjustable temperature soldering iron which
has many advantages. Using a fixed temperature soldering iron might leave you with a
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temperature that is either too high for lead solder or too low for lead free solder. Whereas,
with the adjustable soldering iron, you can always set the optimal temperature based on the
solder alloy composition that you use.
Moreover, having an adjustable temperature soldering iron comes in handy when
desoldering because you usually need a higher temperature to be able to remove the parts
easily from the board.
Adjustable Temperature Soldering Iron
It is also important that you select the right soldering iron tip for the job. Use a fine and sharp
tip for surface mount devices and a wide tip for desoldering.
If you want your soldering iron tips to last for a long time, you need to take care of them.
After you finish using the soldering iron, you should add some solder to the soldering iron tip
so that it remains covered in solder when not in use. This will protect the soldering iron tip
and will prevent it from oxidizing, so it will be working properly every time you want to use it.
While working with the soldering iron, you should always take the necessary safety
precautions presented in the former chapter.
3.3. The Solder
The solder wire is the metal alloy that is used for soldering the parts and wires together. It is
usually made from a material that has a low melting point and flows nicely on other metals.
The solder that comes with this kit is without the toxic lead for distribution in EU while those
sold in US is the tin wire solder tube with lead. EU commercially requires that on hand
electronics use lead-free solder (RoHS) due to the health risks involved. It is extra popular
these days for environmental and health reasons. The solder may come in a spool or
sometimes enclosed in a tube, called solder wire tube.
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Most of the times, the solder wire also has a rosin core. The rosin core’s role is to help
eliminate oxides and dirt and to make the solder flow nicely on the component’s terminals
and pads.
Rosin Core Solder
There are four common types of rosin cores:
●R - Rosin: pure rosin with no activators, mildest
●RMA - Rosin Mildly Activated: contains mild activators
●RA - Rosin Activated: rosin with strong activators
●AC - Non Rosin Activated
The molted rosin is acidic and it is able to dissolve thin layers of oxides even without other
additives. We suggest that you usually use RMA, as it features a good balance of cost,
availability and cleaning performance.
There are two main types of soldering wires: tin-lead based soldering wire (SnPb) and lead-
free soldering wire. From a technical point of view, the lead-based soldering wire is the best
in terms of performance, as it has a low melting point and it flows nicely on other metals.
However, the lead-free soldering wires have gained traction mostly due to environmental
concerns, since they are environmentally clean. The lead based solders usually melt at
about 183 °C (361 °F). The lead free alloys have a higher melting point.
As a reminder, you should always take the necessary safety precautions presented in the
beginning!
3.4. The Desoldering Pump
As its name indicates, the desoldering pump is used for sucking the solder so that you can
desolder the electronic parts easier. The tip is usually made from a thermoresistant material.
In order to use the desoldering pump, press the piston, then place the desoldering pump tip
near the soldering joint and push the trigger button in order to suck the solder.
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3.5. The Soldering Wick
Soldering Wick
The soldering wick is usually made from braided copper wire and it absorbs the solder. It is
mainly used for wicking the solder from the circuit board. It is useful when too much solder
has been applied or when you want to desolder.
A less known use of the soldering wick is for soldering the surface mounted parts. This
soldering technique consists of applying a generous amount of solder over the surface
mounted chip’s pins and then soldering them, irrespective of the possible formation of solder
bridges. Then, the soldering wick is used to absorb the extra solder, leaving the surface
mounted chip’s pins cleanly soldered to the pads.
3.6. The Soldering Iron Stand
The soldering iron stand is where you put your soldering iron when not in use. It helps in
preventing burns. The wet sponge is for cleaning the soldering iron tip and is used to
eliminate excess solder.
Insert the spring holder into the base and screw it in
Soak the sponge in water before use
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Use the wet sponge for cleaning the soldering iron tip When the soldering iron is not in use, you can put
it at rest on the soldering iron stand
3.7. Tweezers
Tweezers are usually made from high quality stainless steel with anti static plating and have
fine tips. They are usually straight or curved tweezers. They are especially designed for
electronic projects that require high precision, such as holding small items and small parts.
You can use it and ideal for grabbing little screws and wicking coils.
Straight Tweezers
Curved Tweezers
3.8. Soldering Iron Tip Set
The soldering iron is not complete without the soldering tip. It is the part that is found at the
end of soldering iron and usually made of copper plated iron and have an angle ranging from
22° to 90°. It is the part that heats up causing the solder to flow around the two components
being joined. It is a replaceable part and comes in various tips that differ in size and shape
depending on the soldering work you would do. When using a soldering tip, it’s important to
ensure it appropriate for the soldering iron.
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3.9. Mini Wire Stripper Tool
The mini wire stripper tool is safe and easy to use during soldering process. It has several
settings for stripping wires and also cables of differing width. The grip is made of plastic and
the knife is made of metal. It is a necessary accessory when you’re doing soldering
especially when you need to punch down excess wires/leads.
3.10. Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
A PCB is basically a board that connects electronic components. This is where you will do
soldering of electronic components.
3.11. Digital Multimeter
The compact digital multimeter can be used to measure DC voltage and AC voltage, DC
current, resistance, diodes, continuity test and other parameters. This multimeter is the ideal
tool for laboratories, factories, enthusiasts and families.
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Please take the time and read these operating instructions before use and retain them for
future reference. Failure to follow these instructions may lead to serious injury and damage
to property.
Safety notes
1. When measuring, do not enter a limit that exceeds the range.
2. Measure a safe value, 36V DC or 25V AC, to check whether the connections are correct,
whether the insulation is good to avoid the shock.
3. When changing the function and range, the test leads should leave the test point.
4. In the resistance mode, please do not add voltage to the input.
General characteristics
Maximum display value: 1999 (31/2) bit, automatic polarity display
Sampling rate: about 3 times per second
Over range indication: the highest bit is "1"
Low voltage display: " " symbol appears
Working environment: (0~40) °C, relative humidity < 80%
Power: 3V battery
Accuracy: ± (reading % + the least significant digits)
Ambient temperature: (23±5) °C, relative humidity < 75%, calibration guarantee
period for one year from the day of production.
DC Voltages (DC Volts)
Range Accuracy Resolution Ration
200 mV
±(0.5% + 4)
100 μV
2 V 1 mV
20 V
10 mV
200 V
100 mV
500 V
±(1.0% + 5)
1 V
Input impedance: 1 MΩ
AC Voltages (AC Volts)
Range
Accuracy
Resolution Ration
200 mV ±(1.2% + 10) 100 mV
500 mV 1 V
Input impedance: 1 MΩ
Frequency response: (40~200) Hz
DC Current
Range
Accuracy
Resolution Ration
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20 μA
±(1.5% + 3)
0.01 μA
200 μA 0.1 μA
2 m
A
1
μA
20 mA
10
μA
200 mA
100
μA
10 A ±(2.0% + 5) 10 mA
Maximum input current: 10 A (not more than 10 seconds)
Overload protection: 0.2 A / 250 V fuse (10A range is without insurance)
Resistance
Range
Accuracy
Resolution Ration
200 Ω
±(1.0% + 5)
0.1 Ω
2 kΩ
±(0.8% + 3)
1 Ω
20 kΩ 10 Ω
200 kΩ 100 Ω
2 MΩ ±(1.0% + 15) 1 kΩ
Overload protection: 250 V DC and AC peak
Diode and ON/OFF Test
Range Display Test Conditions
The diode forward voltage DC current is about 1 mA
Reverse voltage: 3 V
Buzzer sound
Test Resistance smaller than (70
±20) Ω
Circuit starting voltage:
about 3V
Overload Protection: 250 V DC or AC peak
DC voltage measurement
1. Insert the black wire to "COM" and the red wire to the "V/Ω" port;
2. Put the range switch to the corresponding DCV range and then put the test probes to the
source to be measured. The polarity will be shown on the display.
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Note:
1. If the range of the voltage to be measured is unknown, put the range switch to the highest
rank, then according to the value displayed, turn to the corresponding range;
2. If on the display is shown "1", this means that the range is exceeded and the range switch
must be set to a higher gear;
3. Do not measure a voltage over 500 V, because there is a risk to damage the instrument
circuit;
4. When measuring a high voltage circuit, pay attention not to touch any high voltage part of
the circuit.
AC voltage measurement
1. Insert the black probe to "COM" and the red probe to "V/Ω";
2. Put the range switch to the corresponding ACV range and then put the test probes to the
source to be measured.
Note:
1. If the range of the voltage to be measured is unknown, put the range switch to the highest
rank, then according to the value displayed, turn to the corresponding range;
2. If on the display is shown "1", this means that the range is exceeded and the range switch
must be set to a higher gear;
3. Do not measure a voltage over 500 Vrms, because there is a risk to damage the
instrument circuit;
4. When measuring a high voltage circuit, pay attention not to touch any high voltage part of
the circuit.
DC current measurement
1. Insert the black probe to "COM". The red probe can be inserted to "V/Ω" for measuring up
to 200 mA, or insert the red probe to "10 A" for a maximum 10 A measurement;
2. Put the range switch to the corresponding DCA range and then put the multimeter (the 2
probes) in series with the part of the circuit that you want to measure how much current it
draws. The polarity will be shown on the display.
Note:
1. If the range of the current to be measured is unknown, put the range switch to the highest
rank, then according to the value displayed, turn to the corresponding range;
2. If on the display is shown "1", this means that the range is exceeded and the range switch
must be set to a higher gear;
3. The maximum input current is 200 mA or 10 A (depending on the port that the red probe
was inserted). If you try to measure a current higher than the maximum input specifications,
the fuse will blow. Check the fuse if you have no reading on the display.
Resistance measurement
1. Insert the black wire to "COM" and the red wire to the "V/Ω" port;
2. Put the range switch to the corresponding resistor range and connect the two test probes
to the element you want to measure.
Note:
1. If the resistance value exceeds the selected range value, on the display will be shown "1"
and the range switch should be changed to a higher gear. When the measured resistance
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value is more than 1 MΩ, the reading takes a few seconds to stabilize, which in high
resistance mode is normal.
2. When the input is open, the overload condition is displayed.
3. When measuring the on-line resistance, make sure that all the power of the circuit under
test are turned off and all the capacitors are fully discharged.
4. Do not input voltage in the resistance range.
Diode test
1. Insert the black probe to "COM" and the red probe to "V/Ω" (note that the polarity of the
red probe is "+");
2. Put the range switch to " ". Connect the black probe to the cathode and the red
probe to the anode. On the display will be shown the approximative forward voltage drop.
Non-contact voltage detection (with NCV instruments)
1. Set the function range switch to the NCV range position.
2. Close the instrument to > 100 VAC
3. When the instrument distance < 30 mm, the instrument within the non-contact voltage
detection alarm will start to beep.
Data retention function
Press the (right) key, then the measurement data will be locked, and will be easy to read and
record. Then press the right button to reset the instrument to restore the measurement.
Back-light display
Press the "left" button and the back-light will be turned on for about 10 seconds.
Instrument maintenance
This instrument is a precision instrument, the user should not arbitrarily change the circuit.
Note:
1. Do not connect voltages above 500 VDC or 500 Vrms;
2. Do not measure the voltage value when the range switch is in resistance mode "Ω";
3. Do not use the multimeter for testing when the battery is not installed or the back cover is
not installed;
4. Before replacing the battery of fuse, remove the test leads from the test point and turn off
the power switch.
Fuse replacement
When replacing the fuse, use the same fuse as the model type.
This manual is subject to change without notice.
The contents of this manual is considered correct, it the user found omission, please contact
the manufacturer. The Company does not assume any accidents and hazards caused by
incorrect operation of the user.
The functions described in this manual do not serve as a reason for the use of the product
for special purposes.
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4. Creating Awesome Soldering Joints
4.1. General Guidelines for Soldering
While soldering, there should be at least 20 cm distance between the eyes and the board
and the soldering iron movement should be easy. An incorrect position can lead to fume
inhalation and back pain.
4.2. Soldering Through-Hole Technology (THT) Components
After introducing precautions and tools that are used with soldering process, we now
proceed to learning how to solder THT parts/components or through-hole-technology
soldering using a point to point soldering method. Let us begin with some definition of terms
and some terminologies.
4.2.1. Through-hole Technology or THT
Through-hole technology or through-hole soldering as the name implies (through-hole or
thru-hole) is the method when you build your electronic circuits by mounting or inserting
electronic component leads into holes drilled in printed circuit boards or PCB. The leads are
then manually or automatically soldered or affixed to pads on the opposite side of the board.
The electronic components used in this process are called THT components.
Through-Hole Technology Diagram
Components mounted on PCB
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4.2.2 Types of Leads of THT Components?
THT components’ leads come in the following types: axial, radial and multiple leads. These
types depend on the position of the leads in the electronic component. Axial leads are
positioned at each end of the cylindrical body or along the axis of symmetry of the
component and soldered horizontally on a PCB. Examples of components having axial leads
are the following:
Radial leads are positioned in parallel from the same surface of a component and mounted
vertically or perpendicular to the PCB as seen from the following examples.
Electronic components with multiple leads are those with more than two leads and uses
single or dual in-line (DIP) packages to be mounted either directly onto the PCB or via a
socket or base. DIP is described as an electronic segment package with a rectangular
housing and two parallel lines of electrical pins. It is the most widely used package because
it can easily be mounted and is also available with 8, 12, 14, 16, and 20 pins.
DIP Base
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DIP mounted on PCB
4.3 Preparations before Soldering
Before soldering, prepare your soldering iron, PCB and the components to be soldered and
follow the following steps:
1. Check if the tip is screwed tightly in place in the soldering iron then turn on the soldering
iron and let it heat up at desired temperature (with adjustable temperature, set it at 325-375
degrees C).
Important Note: The power plug in this manual may differ from actual product. It will depend
on the country where the kit is being distributed.
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2. When the tip is hot enough, clean it by wiping on the damp sponge
3. Proceed with “tinning the tip” by covering or coating the tip with the solder. Let the solder
flow evenly around the tip. This will improve heat conductivity and will help protect the
soldering iron tip and make it last for a long time.
4. Clean and prepare the PCB and electronic components to be used. Make sure that they
are free from contaminations such as grease and dirt by gently wiping them with isopropyl
alcohol. You can place the PCB in a vise to prevent it from moving.
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5. It is very important for the PCB not to move during the soldering process. PCB can be
gripped by a vise to prevent it from moving as seen below.
4.4 What To Do and Not To Do When Soldering
Soldering may seem to be a complicated task and may appear difficult to do but with a little
practice using this guide, it can be quite simple afterwards. Before we proceed to the step-
by-step instructions on how to solder a component, there are dos and don’ts that you need
to know about soldering. The X mark will indicate things that you should avoid.
1. Do not apply excessive pressure
X: Try not to apply too much pressure with the soldering iron on the PCB or the parts being
soldered. It won't help in soldering the joints more rapidly, but will only just harm the plating
and can even destroy the best tips.
✓: Just apply enough pressure on the PCB so as not to destroy the board or the
components being soldered.
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