Best solder for console modding?

[link83]

Hi all,
Over the last couple of years I have been learning how to mod consoles (50Hz/60Hz, Jpn/Eng switches, RGB mods, etc) and so far I have been using "RadioShack Standard 60/40 Rosin Core Solder" which I bought from eBay, and it seems to work well enough.

However recently I have been reading up about different types of solder and flux, and have learnt that 63/37 is a better mix as it is 'eutectic' and melts at a defined point, meaning there is less chance of cold joints, and it also flows better.

I have decided I would like to try some 63/37, with a 0.025" or 0.031" diameter if possible. However, I am having trouble deciding which type of flux and what percentage would be best for console mods? There seems to be so many different types (RA, RMA, No-Clean etc) I am leaning towards getting some 'No-Clean' as I dont fancy having to clean off the flux residue from a console motherboard. However I have also read that No-Clean fluxes arent very good and smell bad/are more toxic? I dont seem to be able to find 63/37 with a standard Rosin core flux (not 'Activated') I am also having trouble deciding what percentage of flux would be best, the common percentages seem to be 1.1%, 2.2% and 3.3%, I am leaning towards 2.2% being the best choice, as some connections on older console are quite tarnished.

Another problem is finding 63/37 solder in the UK. Apparently the most well known brand of solder is 'Kester', but this seems to be really hard to find in the UK, and expensive when I can find it. Forum threads I have read from the USA say it costs around $10-$15 for a 1lb spool, but in the UK the same Kester spool seems to cost around £20-£30 ($31-$47) or more, which I feel is a bit too much.

Any help or advice would be much appreciated :thumbsup:

<EDIT> Just one more question, would 63/37 solder mix ok with the old solder used in games consoles? (Which I guess is probably 60/40?)

[johnace]

The solder I use is a 60/40 tin lead mix its 22swg thick and its from a company called "Rapid"(order code 85-0595)......price wise I don't know cos my brother aquired it from work lol

[Calpis]

It's just solder.. XD 3 parts difference isn't going to be noticeable. I'd just buy some solder paste off Dealextreme along with syringes and a cleaner. If you do get solder wire, go for low rosin, and use additional non-rosin flux which is much better for cleanup.
Mixing two decent solders doesn't do much, introducing impurities from a crappy solder can lose that desirable sheen.

[splith]

Haha. I usually get the cheapest solder out of maplins and it does me fine.

[bobzee]

I always go for the Antex solder from Maplins, it has a small diameter which helps when soldering surface mount components, and it doesn't leave a mess behind.

On a side note, beware of Maplin's desolder braid - it's shit. I had to soak it in flux, otherwise it doesn't work. They used to sell small rolls of Servisol braid which was really good, but they replaced it with cheap crap.

[Cyantist]

I think 3 parts isn't going to make much of a difference. I personally think if you arent soldering for hours of a day everyday and just do it occasionally anything with Lead is good enough. Strong hard wearing stuff.

[c_rpg]

The solder is not as important as your soldering iron or even more so your soldering skills ;-) Cold joints are mostly the result of a poor soldering job if you are working with leaded solder.

I buy solder from Stannol: http://www.stannol.de/Englisch/index.htm
and I use a JBC iron: http://www.jbctools.com/
I used to have a Weller, but I personnaly like JBC better.

EDIT: I sometimes even use 50/50 and it works just as well.

[CRTGAMER]

60/40 rosin-flux core solder. Save the solid solder wire and flux paste for the plumbing job.

[I Love Games]

Agreed - 60/40 has worked on everything for me just fine. Weller solder station has been a champ too. No issues on anything ive worked on. Cold joints are usually due to not creating a steady complete solid flow.

Most PCBS are wave machined - dipped. You arent going to cause any issues unless you get sloppy and maybe burn a trace...