soldering iron questions

[ShadowBlade]

so i want to make an xbox -> usb adapter
will a 30W soldering iron be enough for this?
is there anything else i need besides the soldering iron itself?

 

[nweaver]

solder

probably resin core variety

 

[So]

You need solder

Also, depending on the complexity and your experience (or lack thereof) consider picking up some solder wick / a solder sucker.

 

[WackyDan]

30 watts is plenty. Some mightconsider that a bit hot, but I've used a 33watt for years for most soldering jobs - but I've soldered probably thousands upon thousands of components and such. If you know what you are doing, a iron that's on the hot side will still do the job nicely if you are careful.

 

[stardrek]

Are you talking about converting a USB cable to xbox controller cable or putting xbox controller ports on your system? Either way a soldering iron is not needed. If you want to make a cable you can just twist the wires very well and use elctrical tape.

http://www.llamma.com/xbox/Mods/xbox_controller_to_pc_usb.htm



If it is for plugging a USB key into the xbox the above cable layout with a female end using a controller cable and you should be fine. That is what I did. They have the same wires.

Very helpful with cable layouts for pretty much anything you would want to do:
http://www.xbox-linux.org/wiki/Xbox_Linux_USB_HOWTO

Edit: Grammar
Edit: Spelled grammar wrong...jeeze.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

More than you need I'm sure but do mark it for reference.

http://www.epemag.wimborne.co.uk/solderfaq.htm

Gotta love the Brits for DIY articles.


...Galvanized

 

[JimPhelpsMI]

Hi, Most sources recomment a 25 watt iron, but I find that to be a little too cool. 30 to 33 watts is plenty. Get 60/40 Rosin Core solder. The flux is built in and is for that type of work. Keep the tip well tinned. Practice on a scrap PC board first. Good Luck, Jim

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: JimPhelpsMI
Hi, Most sources recomment a 25 watt iron, but I find that to be a little too cool. 30 to 33 watts is plenty. Get 60/40 Rosin Core solder. The flux is built in and is for that type of work. Keep the tip well tinned. Practice on a scrap PC board first. Good Luck, Jim

Hey Jim,
My dual range RS iron,20&40watt, was not giving stable heat and the 20watt setting was near useless. So, the tip was removed, the threads cleaned best I could internal&external, then reinstalled with AS-5 So simple a fix it sounds silly in the telling.

Before the iron is plugged in, the tip is checked to be sure it's snug. The AS-5 is a secret, so don't tell anyone


...Galvanized aka John

 

[JimPhelpsMI]

Hi Gal, I was answering a guy who seemed not to need an expensive iron. My Weller Low voltage controlled heat rig with 600 to 700 degree tips works great for PC board work. I use a dual heat gun for heavy stuff. Standard simple iron at 33 watts works great. Jim

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: WackyDan
30 watts is plenty. Some mightconsider that a bit hot, but I've used a 33watt for years for most soldering jobs - but I've soldered probably thousands upon thousands of components and such. If you know what you are doing, a iron that's on the hot side will still do the job nicely if you are careful.

I was going to say the same. If he is asking a question like this then a 30 watt is probably too hot and he will probably destroy some components. Start with a 15 or 20 watt Iron and once you have learned how to use it and have used it a few hundred times then try using a 30 watt., but you will have to be quick with it.