Need to re-solder power switch. . .

[bobafett07728]

Hello. . .this is actually my first post. . .so if this is in the wrong section I apoligize. My power switch has been giving me problems, and after opening my system I can see that the pins are no longer completely held into place. I am assuming that they need to be re-soldered into position. I imagine this is not a difficult course to take, so I am planning on doing it myself, but I wanted to ask some questions first.

 

1. Is this necessary, or does my system have another problem?

 

2. What type of solder should be used, in other words, what was used originally?

 

3. Any other tips, or information, will be glady accepted, and appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance.

[+Mitch]

Hello. . .this is actually my first post. . .so if this is in the wrong section I apoligize. My power switch has been giving me problems, and after opening my system I can see that the pins are no longer completely held into place. I am assuming that they need to be re-soldered into position. I imagine this is not a difficult course to take, so I am planning on doing it myself, but I wanted to ask some questions first.

 

1. Is this necessary, or does my system have another problem?

 

2. What type of solder should be used, in other words, what was used originally?

 

3. Any other tips, or information, will be glady accepted, and appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

1. It sounds like you have diagnosed it correctly.

 

2. You should be able to use what's already there, just reheat it with a soldering iron.

 

3. Good Luck

 

Mitch

http://atari7800.atari.org

[DanBoris]

[quote name="Mitch"

1. It sounds like you have diagnosed it correctly.

 

2. You should be able to use what's already there' date=' just reheat it with a soldering iron.

 

3. Good Luck

 

[/quote]

 

2. It's usually best to add some fresh solder when re-soldering connections. You can get the right kind of solder at Radio Shack or other electronic supply store.

 

As for re-soldering tips, I will first assume you are talking about an Atari 2600. The traces and switch legs are pretty heavy on the 2600 so they take a good bit of heat to melt the solder. If you have a low-watage iron be patient and the solder will eventually start melting. Once the solder has melted apply fresh solder to the oposite side of the pin from where the iron is. To get a good solder join always remeber to touch the new solder to the pin you are soldering and not to the iron.

 

Dan

[bobafett07728]

Thanks guys! I will be repairing my 2600 this weekend, and back to playing (hopefully) very soon!!!!!!

 

Once again thanks.

[eggplant_casserole]

DON'T just reheat the solder. This is lazy and sloppy, and ends up in dry joints. Always clean off the pad where possible with a desolder pump or desolder braid, then using good soldering practice resolder the component.

 

Go for a good 60/40 fluxed solder, try to get 22swg if you can as its thinner and easier to use.