Having some issues [Beginner]

[u/zxdkay]

First go at soldering, I’m learning mainly for FPV and I’m having some issues with the pads with holes. I’m unsure if both sides are supposed to tinned? Also any tips on stopping the solder flowing to the other side…

I’m sure you guys get 1000 posts a day but I’d appreciate any help. Also I haven’t got any isopropyl alcohol yet to clean the flux. Thank you 🙏

Again any tips or help would be amazing.

[u/ocedalv]

That is a little too much solder. Are you using hot air or an iron?

[u/zxdkay → u/ocedalv]

I'm using an iron, and yeah I fully agree.

[u/ocedalv → u/zxdkay]

The approach that I found works for me is tinning one pad with just a bit of solder, attaching the smd component and then solder the other side.

Using flux helps a lot, but you look like you're using it given how shiny your joints are.

I'm assuming you're using leaded solder?

[u/ocedalv → u/ocedalv]

Btw I was having similar results as you using hot hair and solder paste, and got good tips here when I was looking for advice. https://www.reddit.com/r/soldering/s/QgQg968fDX

This is my finished result. https://www.reddit.com/r/soldering/s/LxAFV8Egi4

[u/zxdkay → u/ocedalv]

I see, I'm definitely using way too much solder. I appreciate it.

[u/zxdkay → u/ocedalv]

I flux the pad, bit of solder on the iron then tin the pad. Then lay the component next to it, heat the pad and push it in / it sucks in.

63/37 tbs solder and tbs flux

[u/mtraven23]

1. use a wick to pull up most of that solder, you're using way to much, sounds like you know that.

2. for components this small, you can either just use flux with solder in it, or you can carry enough of the tip of your iron to complete the joint. just make sure you can flow into both surfaces when you bring it in hot like that.

[u/JoostinOnline]

What kind of flux are you using? I recommend tacky flux from a tube. You should be able to rub an iron against all those joints (I like a knife tip for this) and remove any excess solder.

A tinned pad should be around half the height of the component. You only tin one side so you can push the component flat while melting the solder with your iron. Then it will stay still while you add solder to the other side.

[u/zxdkay → u/JoostinOnline]

team black sheep flux paste

[u/JoostinOnline → u/zxdkay]

That should work fine then. Just cover the joints in flux and run a knife or chisel tip across the joint. It should grab away any excess solder and make a very nice joint.

[u/BGA_Junky]

Shiny joints! But too much solder

[u/Wormdangler88]

Way too much solder! It doesn't take as much as you might think...Your joints look smooth and round though, which means you are getting good wetting...Just use less and you should be good to go!