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    Soldering a laptop mobo

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by KoRnDaWg454, Aug 18, 2008.

  1. KoRnDaWg454

    KoRnDaWg454 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey guys, I am trying to fix my girlfriends Toshiba Satelite M35X-S149 laptop because the AC power jack has come un-soldered from the motherboard. I'm using a standard soldering iron from radio shack, but I can't get the original solder to melt and allow me to repair this. Do any of you have any experience working with soldering motherboards? Perhaps I just have the wrong type of soldering iron. Any help on this subject is greatly appreciated!
     
    KoRnDaWg454, Aug 18, 2008
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  2. D3X

    D3X the robo know it all

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    A regular soldering iron would probably not have enough power to melt the stock solder, which is a high temperature lead free solder with silver added for thermal cycle durability. You will need to buy a more heavy duty Weller soldering iron and some soldering wick (braided copper) to remove the old solder first. Always use fresh solder for a better and more durable connection.
     
    D3X, Aug 18, 2008
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  3. KoRnDaWg454

    KoRnDaWg454 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Great, very helpful! Thank you sir
     
    KoRnDaWg454, Aug 18, 2008
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  4. D3X

    D3X the robo know it all

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    Something like this would probably suffice.

    [​IMG]

    You would probably want a finer tip.
     
    D3X, Aug 18, 2008
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  5. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    radio shack soldering irons are terrible. They are about 10-15 watts, which is just not enough power. I agree with getting a weller, cause you can get a good 40-60 watt adjustable soldering iron for like $50 or so. I have an old soldering iron from miller welding, and that thing must use 200 watts, cause you cant melt right through lead and soft metals with it. a 40 watt soldering iron will be able to loosen that ac power jack right up. Your best bet, may be to go to a mechanic shop, or a real electronic warehouse to pick one up or borrow one. Many universities offer electical engineering, and I am sure if you stop by a electonic lab, a professor would let you borrow one for a few hours.

    3300th post :D

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Aug 18, 2008
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  6. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    Read this link! Be careful? Not easy.

    Congrats K-T!
     
    powerpack, Aug 18, 2008
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  7. KoRnDaWg454

    KoRnDaWg454 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks guys, you're right the soldering iron I have from Radio Shack is only 20 watts. Not enough apparently. My dad has an old soldering iron, I can't read the brand, and I could barely read the wattage, 45 watts. It was plenty to melt the solder, but I haven't fixed it yet, because I dont have the braided copper to remove the old solder. So, sounds like a trip back to Radio Shack is in order... not for an iron though. Thanks again.
     
    KoRnDaWg454, Aug 19, 2008
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  8. Deadsteam

    Deadsteam Newbie

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    I'm having the exact same problem, I have tried irons up to 900 degres and 50 watts...

    The solder will not melt...
     
    Deadsteam, Sep 25, 2008
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  9. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    do you have a very thin tip on your soldering iron?
    A 50 watt soldering iron will definitely be able to melt through the solder on your motherboard.

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Sep 25, 2008
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  10. Deadsteam

    Deadsteam Newbie

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    well, I think so. kind of like the tip of a pen..
     
    Deadsteam, Sep 25, 2008
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  11. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    That is very strange, what exactly are you trying to solder/desolder?

    The only thing you can really do, is get a stronger soldering iron, and /or be patient and hold it for a while to melt the solder.

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Sep 25, 2008
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  12. Deadsteam

    Deadsteam Newbie

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    I'm trying to remove the dc jack. so I can replace it. I have a solder gun at 900 degrees and 50watts. I have held it there for up to 2 minutes...
     
    Deadsteam, Sep 25, 2008
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  13. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    maybe the solder used is more of an aluminum solder, which requires a higher temperature. I dont know where you can get a more powerful soldering iron for a decent price.
    I would think 50 watts would be enough. I have done lots of motherboard soldering with a 45 watt iron.

    If its a radio shack 50 watt, then that would make sense, cause their soldering irons are junk, and over spec'd. So that 50 watts may really be 15 watts.
    If you have a weller or a good quality iron, than its probably 50 watts.

    I dont know, I guess you just need a more powerful soldering iron.

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Sep 25, 2008
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  14. Deadsteam

    Deadsteam Newbie

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    Yeah, I have a weller at 50w and 900 degrees, I have tried 3 different irons also so it's not defective... wierd.. SO I need like a super iron??
     
    Deadsteam, Sep 25, 2008
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  15. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    Maybe the solder is like designed not to be removed. Even though I highy doubt it.
    Yeah, I guess you need a super soldering iron. Try 100 watts. Maybe you can use google or the yellowpages and find electrical repair facilities. I am sure they would let you borrow/use a soldering iron. Universities with electrical engineering may also be a good place to ask. I know at RPI we have 75-200 watt soldering irons in our electronics labs, and even laser guided ones.

    Good luck

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Sep 25, 2008
    #15