QFP soldering

Richard Cini wrote... So, here's the stupid question...how do I solder these things? Do I hold the iron parallel or perpendicular to the package leads? The board is pre-tinned, but I should I also tin the QFP leads? Neither. The best way to home solder these things is to use solder paste and a toaster oven, there's an article on www.seattlerobotics.org on how to do this. If you must use a soldering iron use a large bit (4.5 to 6 mm) and run along the edge of the tinned section, not quite touching the pins, and allow the solder to wick into the joints. Don't worry about solder bridges, these can be removed later with solder wick and a good flux. If you make a complete mess of it remove the chip using a hot air gun then clean the board with solder wick removing any left over flux with solvent and try again. Also use a soldering iron of at least 45W with a temperature controlled bit. The easiest way to practice is with the chips on scrap PC motherboards ... see they do have a use 8^)= Lee. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- This email is intended only for the above named addressee(s). The information contained in this email may contain information which is confidential. The views expressed in this email are personal to the sender and do not in any way reflect the views of the company. If you have received this email and you are not a named addressee please delete it from your system and contact Merlin Communications International IT Department on +44 20 7344 5888. ________________________________________________________________________ This e-mail has been scanned for all viruses by Star Internet. The service is powered by MessageLabs. For more information on a proactive anti-virus service working around the clock, around the globe, visit: http://www.star.net.uk ________________________________________________________________________