Course: EE-4 Basics of manual soldering of electronic components

The consultation covers all types of desktop soldering stations presented on the market by different manufacturers, such as USA, Taiwan, and China. The physical and basic soldering processes, materials, and components used are studied. Typical mistakes at the beginning of soldering electronic components are analyzed.

This course is designed to teach students the fundamental skills and techniques required to manually solder electronic components. The course will cover the basics of soldering tools, materials, safety practices, component handling, and soldering techniques for various types of electronic assemblies. By the end of the course, students will have the practical knowledge to perform clean and reliable solder joints on electronic circuits.

10 lessons, 1 hour each.

Introduction to Soldering

1. Understand the concept of soldering and its importance in electronics.
2. What is Soldering?
3. Definition and purpose
4. Importance of soldering in electronics
5. Overview of applications: PCBs, wiring, connectors, etc.
6. Types of Soldering
7. Manual vs. machine soldering
8. Soft soldering vs. hard soldering
9. Lead-based vs. lead-free solder

Soldering Tools and Materials

1. Learn about the tools and materials required for soldering.
2. Essential Soldering Tools
3. Soldering iron (different types, wattages, tips)
4. Soldering iron stand and sponge
5. Desoldering pump and braid
6. Tweezers, cutters, and pliers
7. Magnifying tools (e.g., loupe, microscope)
8. Materials for Soldering
9. Solder wire (lead-based vs. lead-free)
10. Flux (liquid, paste)
11. PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and components (resistors, capacitors, ICs, etc.)
12. Safety Equipment
13. Safety glasses
14. Fume extraction (ventilation or fans)
15. Anti-static wrist straps

Safety Practices and Workstation Setup

1. Understand the importance of safety and how to set up a proper workstation for soldering.
2. Safety Guidelines
3. Proper ventilation and fume control
4. Protecting hands and eyes from heat and chemicals
5. Fire safety and first-aid procedures
6. Setting Up a Soldering Station
7. Choosing the right work surface
8. Organizing tools and materials
9. Proper soldering iron handling

Preparing for Soldering

1. Learn how to prepare the components and work surface before soldering.
2. Component preparation
3. Identifying component leads and orientation
4. Preparing the PCB (cleaning, inspection for defects)
5. Inserting components into the PCB (through-hole vs. surface-mount)
6. Soldering iron preparation
7. Cleaning the tip
8. Tinning the soldering iron tip

Basic Soldering Techniques

1. Master basic manual soldering techniques.
2. Through-hole soldering
3. Inserting components into PCB
4. Heating the lead and pad
5. Applying solder to the joint
6. Inspecting the joint (good vs. cold solder joints)
7. Surface-Mount soldering (SMD)
8. Handling small components
9. Techniques for surface-mount soldering
10. Using soldering iron, hot air rework station

Troubleshooting and Inspecting Soldering Joints

1. Understand how to troubleshoot and inspect solder joints.
2. Common soldering issues
3. Cold solder joints
4. Solder bridges
5. Insufficient solder or excess solder
6. Visual inspection
7. Inspecting solder joints with magnification
8. Using a multimeter for continuity testing
9. Repairing faulty joints
10. Reflowing solder
11. Reworking solder joints

Hands-On Practice

1. Apply learned skills in a real-world scenario.
2. Practical exercises
3. Soldering through-hole components on a PCB
4. Soldering surface-mount components
5. Desoldering and reworking joints
6. Troubleshooting and repairing common soldering issues
7. Project: Build a Simple Circuit
8. Assemble and solder a simple circuit like a power supply or LED blinker.

Educational materials (Recommended to read before starting the course)

Videos: TM Atlantic YouTube Channel

Articles: D.E.V.I.C.E. (Wiki)

Terms: Electronics, electrical engineering

Online Engineering Calculators: Multifunctional engineering calculations of electronic circuits and components

Optional: Additional Individual Consultations (ZOOM or Skype) $125 per hour

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an instructor guide me through my work, as I am not sure that I can do everything correctly?

I am a student. Can I get a discount on your courses?

Please tell me what devices and equipment I should buy to successfully complete the course?

Where can I get more information on the course topic?

Can an instructor guide me through my work, as I am not sure that I can do everything correctly?
Of course, you can order additional individual consultations via ZOOM or Skype. Up

I am a student. Can I get a discount on your courses?
It is possible. We can offer a special discount for students. Please contact us by email. Up

Please tell me what devices and equipment I should buy to successfully complete the course?
We recommend purchasing our basic set: Soldering Station Set: Soldering Iron, Soldering Tweezers, Full Set of Tips ASE-1107T, Digital Multimeter: AM-1060, DC Power Supply 30V 5A, with Free AKTAKOM Original Software Control via PC, and the Voice Guide APS-7306. Up

Where can I get more information on the course topic?
The DEVICE section on our website offers you a huge amount of technical information, here you will find videos, articles and professional terms. More than 35 free engineering calculators on our website can also help you in your work. Up