Modding Woes

[Ceddy]

Originally posted by Cyber Akuma
Also, if not, anybody know where I can get a very good soldering iron so I can install a modchip?

Professional soldering irons cost from $65 - $500. Don't think you want to pay that to solder one joint. I'd just get a $10 radioshack 15 watter.

One thing that helps me is to use wire wrapping wire, its really thin (#32) and stays in the shape you bend it. Also called kylnar(sp?) its at radio shack. While you're there pick up a 8 pin DIP socket, it'll keep you from melting your chip if it isn't prewired.

Take your wire and bend a very very small circle or V at the stripped end. Place it where it goes and tape or hot glue it in place.

Wait for your iron to reach full heat and add solder so the tip is thinly coated, no drips hanging. Extra solder can be removed with a wet sponge.

Place the tip inside circle and centered on the solder spot. Wait a sec and you'll feel the iron drop a hair as the solder on the board melts. Now lift the iron straight up and you should have a good joint.

Hope that helps.