I am trying to make an LCD shield from my Arduino and am having problems trying to got the solder to stick to the Freetronics protoshield PCB. I have cleaned it as best I can.
I am using a decent Proxxon soldering bolt with solder that has worked good for me in the past. How can I get it to stick?
It won't bond to the PCB, only the wires.
Best Answer
Heat! (One word answer)
A classic reason solder won't stick to something is because you're not getting it hot enough. My interns come to me with this problem all the time.
Make sure the tip of the iron is nice and shiny. Touch some solder on it, and it should melt almost instantly.
Put a nice little blob of solder on the tip of the iron.
Press the blob of solder into the metal to be soldered.
Initially the solder won't be too keen, but when the metal reaches the right temperature, the solder will suddenly be attracted to it, and you'll see it move slightly.
Now that the pad has reached temperature, you can touch the solder anywhere on the pad and it should melt almost instantly. I often add solder this way so I know I'm adding it to a nice hot pad.
Hugo