rusty pads? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: funfairEE
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2012, 05:53:31 pm
content: Sorry if this is in the wrong section didn't know where to put it.Came home from school today to find the PICAXE 14 project board kit I had ordered had arrived, opened it up, all looked grate until I looked at the back of the board, the solder pads seem to be rusty. I have attached a scan off the board to hear.What do you people think I should do, will it be OK to use if I clean the pads up with some fine sandpaper or would it be best to send the board back.Has any one seen this before?Thanks for any help given in advance, much appreciated.

author: Blue
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2012, 05:59:07 pm
content: I would use it as is - with some flux to get rid of the oxidization

author: ahes
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2012, 06:02:21 pm
content: if the board is copper "I mean not coated with any thing" use a sand paper with any solventit happens with me all the time with my home made boardsspray after that with some flux and you'll be fine.

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2012, 06:07:26 pm
content: Quote from: funfairEE on January 24, 2012, 05:53:31 pmLooks more like copper showing through rubbish tin plating.I would try soldering some of the cheap components and if the solder wets the pads OK it will be OK.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2012, 06:46:18 pm
content: In my experience it always pays to clean and degrease the pads before soldering, even if they look shiny. A little effort up front pays dividends later with how rapidly the solder wets the joint. Extra flux is good too, of course (use a drop of the liquid type).A variety of cleaning tools are available, such as these:http://www.eraser.com/catpdf.cgi/Brush.pdf?mode=download&catpdf_id=4There is also a tool like a pencil eraser but a bit more abrasive that works quite well for a bit of mild polishing.

author: damo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2012, 12:52:22 am
content: For small jobs like this, I'd use an ink eraser. You know, the ones that feel gritty not like the pencil ones. I find that they easily remove the oxide layer and leave a nice polish on the surface ready for soldering. Not as abrasive as sand paper (granted depending on the grit of your sandpaper) and much easier to use for small jobs. For larger jobs such as preparing uncoated circuit board for coating, I use a nice 'brillo' pad (i.e. the green ones). Again, not as abraisive as sandpaper and much easier to use.

author: bfritz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2012, 01:13:12 am
content: Quote from: Rufus on January 24, 2012, 06:07:26 pmI agree with the above assessment. It looks like the solder plating has been done very poorly.I like to use a new scotch brite pad (small bits will not cause shorts if not cleaned out of a via or through hole), with plain old water. Then dry well, and try to solder a pad. If it doesn't go well, I'd send a picture to the board shop that made the boards, and ask them if this meets their quality control.Please share the board manufacturer's name.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2012, 02:11:16 am
content: What Damo said!VK6ZGO

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2012, 05:33:04 am
content: Those fibreglass pens are pretty good as well but aren't something you would have around the house like a scotchbrite pad

author: siliconmix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2012, 09:16:39 pm
content: try an eraser