> On Aug 1, 2015, at 2:24 PM, Robert Jarratt <robert.jarr...@ntlworld.com> > wrote: > PS A related question. I struggled somewhat with the Weller Magnastat No. 8 > tip, when trying to solder leads to the ground plane, I could not get the > solder to stay molten very long. I was using lead-free solder, its melting > point is much lower than the temperature which a No. 8 tip reaches. The iron > is 50W. Clearly the ground plane was taking heat away, but is it a problem > with the tip not being hot enough, the iron not powerful enough, or perhaps > some operator error?
Rob, I would recommend a temperature controlled iron, such as the Hakko FX888D. I have one and it’s beautiful. It can compensate for soldering large ground planes by detecting the drop in heat and pumping more power to the tip. https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11704 <https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11704> Ian
