Thread: Zx81
View Single Post
Old 21st Apr 2020, 12:42 am   #247
SiriusHardware
Dekatron
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, UK.
Posts: 11,485
Default Re: Zx81

A few reminders:

-Try to remember to fit the socket with the 'notched' end (the 'Pin 1' end) nearest to the edge of the PCB, looking at your second photo. This serves to remind you (and anyone else) which way the IC should be inserted into the socket.

When soldering a large socket, IC, or other device into a PCB, solder two opposite corner pins first, say pin 40 first, followed by pin 20. Then have a look at it, if it is not sitting right down flat on the PCB, apply gentle pressure on the socket or device and briefly melt the solder on each corner pin in turn until the socket or device settles down perfectly flat on the PCB.

This is easiest to do if you are holding the PCB vertically by the edges between your thumb and little finger and you use one of your middle fingers on the same hand to apply a bit of pressure to the centre spar of the socket. Your other hand, of course, is needed for the iron.

Once you have the socket on perfectly flat and with two opposite corners soldered, you then have all the time in the world to solder the other 38 pins.

Your soldering looked greatly improved the last time we saw some, so just remember, heat both pin and pad with iron for several seconds, dab solder on hot joint, remove solder, remove iron.
SiriusHardware is offline