Electronics question

Live forum: http://forum.freeipodguide.com/viewtopic.php?t=40300

ghondi

30-05-2006 20:54:12

What the hell is that goopy shit on the bottom(solder side) of the breadboards?

I have always been somewhat into computers and electronics...but I havent done much circuit building up until right now when I purchased some equiptment...

So what is that stuff and is it necessary?

Note If anyone has some broken/unused electronic stuff, pm me.(Don't wanna make a big deal about that, thus no thread in hot deals etc....I am paying...)

Tholek

30-05-2006 21:05:45

Flux?

ghondi

30-05-2006 21:06:32

Is that what its called?

Tholek

30-05-2006 21:09:17

"Solder flux" is what I'm referring to. Not 100% sure it's what you mean though.

ghondi

30-05-2006 21:15:04

Its clear/semi-white? Seems kind of greasy on top of the solder....

I think that may be what it is. How necessary is that?

Tholek

30-05-2006 21:21:10

Yeah, it's somewhat transparent. I haven't used it in a long time, although pro's seem to.

ghondi

30-05-2006 21:22:44

Does it effect anything if you don't use it?

Where can I buy it and whats the average cost of it? How do you apply it? ETC.

Tholek

30-05-2006 21:26:04

I think it cleans the components and increases the bonding strength, but again, I'm not an expert in using it. I don't build much from scratch, I mainly solder to repair or mod. Ratshack has it, if you can't find it anywhere else.

Ryizan

30-05-2006 21:36:56

I use flux when hand soldering fine pitched microcontrollers. It helps prevent a solder bridge between pins. You can get it from many places...radioshach, homedepot, and http//www.howardelectronics.com/amtech/nc500.html $12 for a syringe of it.

Edit not sure what type of electronics you want to get into but if need any help ask.........

dmorris68

31-05-2006 05:21:21

I don't think I've ever seen any "white" flux -- it's typically a translucent, brownish color.

Flux is required for solder to flow freely and create a good solder joint. Without flux you'll get a dull, cold joint that will be prone to breakage and poor conductivity. With rosin core solder (used for electronics), the flux is built into the core of the solder, and flows across the joint "automagically" as you apply solder. You typically only use separate flux when using a solid solder such as for pipe soldering and such.

hrdfarkr

31-05-2006 07:44:49

[quotec9a682af9c="dmorris68"]"automagically"[/quotec9a682af9c]

+k

ghondi

31-05-2006 09:07:41

Alright thanx guys.

Dmorris, its not actually white, it was a dirty translucent color...I thought it was dirty though, lol. Thus why I said white...

Tholek

31-05-2006 20:12:10

[quote78fd5fdcfa="dmorris68"]With rosin core solder (used for electronics), the flux is built into the core of the solder, and flows across the joint "automagically" as you apply solder. You typically only use separate flux when using a solid solder such as for pipe soldering and such.[/quote78fd5fdcfa]

Basically why I don't use it. )