NOAH AOC

 Hey guys!

So i have found a new obstical in my life. Soldering. I recently got a new job working as a repare tech for moving lights and light board and stuff...all the things you see at  rock concerts that make the stage look awesome. Anyways, i was wondering if any of you have soldering experience. I have some basic skills, but I am working on computer cards and some crazy tiny stuff. It's desoldering that I stink at. idk if it's bc It's so small, or that I can't see the tip too well of the iron, or if it's just bc i need more practise. I've tried a magnifying glass, but it just makes my eyes kinda bug at bit. DO you have any suggestions or tips you could give me?

 Thanks1

~Meghan 

Ya know, Meghan, this might not work,b ut it is a thought.  Granted, I don't solder anything, or have any electrical experience.

Last year when I saw my optometrist for my regular eye exam--she is a low vision specialist as well,  I needed a new pair of reading glasses as well as contacts.  Now my reading prescription is really high--like a +12.  I laughed and made some comment about that must be why the reading glasses you buy at Walgreens don't do squat for me!!  She said that of course they wouldn't be powerful enough for super close work like reading, but in the future, as I get even older, those over the counter ones might be useful with my contacts for other tasks like chopping vegetables and such--small taks but not something you really want at the very tip of your nose, which is where things are with the +12 redding glasses!! 

Now, whether you would need a + or a - pair of lenses depends on whether you are farsightted or nearsighted, I think!!  I believe + is for far and - is for near.  I think they usually only go upto about a 3 poser or so at the drugstore.  It would be an inexpensive experiment, anyways.  And your hands would be free! 

Too bad the tip of the soldering gun isn't flourescent lime green or something so you could see it better!!

I admire your skills!  I wish I had a little more experience with tools and  electrical stuff so I could do more home repairs than I already do!

Good luck!'

Joni 

A bioptic scope mounted lower in the carrier lens may be helpful.  Kind of like what surgeons wear. 

Something in the 4-6x may be the right amount of magnification.  A strap may be useful so as not to have the setup sliding off when looking down.  These are not cheap since you'll have to have it prescribed to you by an eye doctor.

Best of luck.

Hi Meghan, I have done a bit of soldering. It is a challenge, especially with some of the surface mount parts. The through board stuff isn't too bad. I have a glasses mount telescope which helps a bit, but it is hard to keep things in focus. Practice helps. Since you posted a few months ago you might have that now. I still get the resin smoke in my face since I am so close, I find using a fan on the side helps. If you don't have any you might want to find some of the multi-direction flexible clamps. Some clamp to a desk or just have a heavy base. Then a stiff but flexible arm with some sort of clamp at the end. It is like a third hand. Very useful for anyone doing electronics soldering. Hope that helps. Matt

 Hey Matt,

Yeah, I got some glases with magnifiers on them, but like you said, it is really hard to keep them in focus. My co workers kinda giggled at me when I pulled them out and I've fealt really self conscouse (sp) about using them... They also kinda make me dizzy because I'm just not used to them. I know I just need to get over it and start using them...but...even my mom gasped when i proudly pulled them out...

I use the helping hands when soldering sound and data cable and a great card clamp when working on the big computer cards. 

I've gottan a lot better, but there are days i jsut want to scream. lol It's bad when you've been soldering all day and the smoke starts to smell good... haha...my poor furture children...;)

Thanks for the tips!

~Megs