GCN Noob soldering question

[SecureBoot]

So I want to install the xeno gc chip into my GameCube so I can play burned DVDs. I've never soldered before so I'm looking for an iron. I can find an iron for $8 or a "kit" for $20. I don't really think I'll need the kit right? It's just to make things easier is it not?

 

[JiveTheTurkey]

It makes all the difference my friend

To elaborate more, a $8 iron would probably be a fixed temperature, I've destroyed many attempted repairs with just a fixed iron and using the solder that came with it. IT IS NO GOOD, you'd want to get a 60/40 lead solder since they sell cheaper solder that is meant for plumbing. I've also bought a soldering iron (itself, no kit) for $16 from Amazon (I think it was $16) and have used it with good quality Solder, and Flux. Flux is also a good factor to keep in mind when soldering.

 

[Deleted-355425]

If only we knew someone who could tiny solder.

 

[SecureBoot]

It makes all the difference my friend

To elaborate more, a $8 iron would probably be a fixed temperature, I've destroyed many attempted repairs with just a fixed iron and using the solder that came with it. IT IS NO GOOD, you'd want to get a 60/40 lead solder since they sell cheaper solder that is meant for plumbing. I've also bought a soldering iron (itself, no kit) for $16 from Amazon (I think it was $16) and have used it with good quality Solder, and Flux. Flux is also a good factor to keep in mind when soldering.

It's by no means a complicated soldering job. It's like four points and I don't plan on using it again. Do you think the cheap one will work for just this job?

If only we knew someone who could tiny solder.

I had forgotten about him. That gave me a good laugh so gg.

 

[migles]

before you try in the real thing, make sure to train with some spare wires and scrap electronics...
i tried to solder once, it was so weird and it was totally not what i expected, like driving a car for the first time..
the solder disapears when it touches the iron..
since very extremly rare i need to solder anything, i just ask a neighboor when i need something simple..

 

[JiveTheTurkey]

before you try in the real thing, make sure to train with some spare wires and scrap electronics...

I wish I had known this knowledge before thinking I jtag a 360. I was really dumb then, even listened to videos of putting the ps3 in the oven. I hate me.

 

[Hanafuda]

OP, take your time building some skills before you tackle that XenoGC job. It's not expert tier or anything, but it is a tight little piece of work and not something you should attempt as a beginner. Crack open some junk electronics, something with a pcb inside, and work on educating yourself handling the iron and the solder. And if you don't have flux, get flux. It is critical in getting solder to work properly. Every time I see pictures of someone's burned pcb or lifted solder pad, I think "should've used flux.'

Also when you're ready, I recommend using a wired installation, not the direct on the board method. I use what was called the 'short-wire method,' which is kind of a hybrid.

http://leham-forum.freegametalk.com/t66-game-cube-xenogc-short-wire-installation-guide

 

[YOUCANTSTOPME]

It's by no means a complicated soldering job. It's like four points and I don't plan on using it again. Do you think the cheap one will work for just this job?

Funny that you say it's not complicated but have never done any soldering before. It's not the most complicated soldering job, but it isn't the easiest either. Also, technique/practice trumps equipment IMO. You can have the best and most expensive equipment, doesn't mean you're an expert.

Anyways, what I'm getting at it is, as mentioned, practice on something else BEFORE you go and burn your Gamecube's board. You got this, but do some practice and research first. Soldering isn't quite as easy as it looks.