Pictures have solder on top?

[mikew]

Just a quick question, looking at the assembly instructions, I thought it odd that the solder was on the "top" (component side) of the pcb. All PCB soldering I have done, I've flipped the board upside down after inserting the component. Looks like the assembly in the instructions, the soldering was done on the top? Seems strange? Anyhow, not too worried about it - just a curiosity.

Thanks,

- Mike

[tpryan]

From the assembly instructions:

[quote]2. Generally, the idea when "stuffing" or “populatingâ€

[mikew]

Hey Tim,

Yep, I read, I just see the pictures with solder on top, it seemed strange to me! :)

- Mike

[tpryan]

From the soldering section of the assembly tips page:

Don't use too much solder! Apply enough solder to form a small volcano-shaped fillet around the lead. If the solder on the lead is higher than the PCB pad is wide, you've applied too much. The solder should also penetrate the holes and appear on the component side of the board. Don't worry if the fillets on the component side aren't perfect.

[mikew]

Oh, I must have missed that part. Just got done with my first T15 and is working like a champ though. Only on the switches and the IC chips do I have solder on the component side.

Thanks! On to building the second and then get some more :)

- Mike

[unchartedthickets]

This may have been covered but I can't find it so here it is again....
I'm new to electronic projects and have just finished my first ever working project - the T15! It wasn't too difficult but now I'm wondering about cleaning the board after soldering. I didn't clean and it works great but now with my C84 ready for install I'm thinking that this may be an issue at some point
down the line as the residue collects dust or corrodes connections etc....
any tips on cleaning the boards after soldering?

[unchartedthickets]

Sorry...it is covered in soldering tips -
"After all the components have been installed, brush the board with a stiff toothbrush to remove any stray solder blobs or bits of component lead. Clean the board with flux remover if desired, but if you use "no-clean" flux this step isn't required."

the next question then is: what is the outcome of not cleaning the flux off?
THANKS

[tpryan]

what is the outcome of not cleaning the flux off?

If you used no-clean flux and did a neat job, the module will be perfectly happy. If you're worried about it, clean it. It only takes a few minutes.

[unchartedthickets]

what is the outcome of not cleaning the flux off?

If you used no-clean flux and did a neat job, the module will be perfectly happy. If you're worried about it, clean it. It only takes a few minutes.

Thanks Tim. I did clean it but I did some stupid things i'm afraid. the module is working but i learned that you should never buy cleaner from radio shack. i sprayed a radio shack "pcb cleaner" all purpose spray on the board and it completely covered the thing in sticky residue even when it clearly stated it wouldn't. i was horrified to say the least and in looking for a quick remedy i used rubbing alcohol and a q-tip to clean the dumb cleaner off. i didn't use no-clean solder so i thought it would be wise to clean the board. a nice gentleman in line at radio shack overheard my return explanation and mentioned blue devil spray from a local electricians shop: Van Sickle - http://www.theepgd.com/books/east/LineCard.asp?book=east&DistID=949

Holy cow! This is my first preamp build and
i get slaughtered by stupidity after making a completely functioning pre. What are your recommendations for cleaning products if you didn't use no-clean solder? I should buy a several bottles. Thank you sir!

[Jezza]

Flux can turn into a sticky mess too, so maybe it was your radio shack cleaner and maybe it was dissolved flux. I don't use any fancy cleaners myself, just rubbing alcohol and a toothbrush.

[unchartedthickets]

Flux can turn into a sticky mess too, so maybe it was your radio shack cleaner and maybe it was dissolved flux. I don't use any fancy cleaners myself, just rubbing alcohol and a toothbrush.

Thanks Jeeza. I figured that might have been the case with the radio shack cleaner. I was told that there is an acid in the spray that isn't good for pcb's
and that it's really only good for potentiometers and such. I think rubbing alcohol and a toothbrush is the choice then!