Soldering

Please note

Be sure to read and sign the Standard Operation Procedures for soldering (PDF)

Soldering iron tip will get hot
1. Do not touch the tip, use a wet sponge to determine if it's hot enough
2. Ensure you unplug the soldering iron before you leave the room
3. Be aware of the soldering iron's power cord - keep it out of the way.
Keep the fume extractor very close to where you're soldering to properly remove smoke
Solder can splatter, so wear eye protection

Gather supplies at your workspace.
Turn on the soldering iron and let it heat up. It should be set to around 600-650 degrees F. Make sure it is securely on the stand and keep an eye on it.
Strip 1-3 cm off the end of the wires you'd like to solder.
1. Hold the wire in between the appropriate cutter on the wire strippers and pull it through to remove coating.
If you are going to use heat shrink, add it beyond the place you are soldering the wires now.
Mount any components to your board. If you are soldering wires together, do not connect them yet.
Coat the exposed wires in flux (this will help remove the oxide layers on the wire).
Secure the components/wires using the clips on the third hand.
Set up your fume extractor close to where you will be soldering.

Test that the soldering iron is hot enough by melting a small amount of solder onto the tip. This will also help the solder flow.
Place the soldering tip so that it is just touching your component, and hold it there for 2-3 seconds. The goal is to melt the solder with residual heat, not the actual soldering iron.
Apply solder to the joint by quickly touching the solder to the joint (not the soldering iron) and pulling away. This will create a smooth, cone shaped blob covering the joint.
Let the components cool and then snip any excess wires/leads.

As before, tin the soldering iron by melting a small amount of solder onto it.
Touch the soldering iron to the exposed wire for 3-4 seconds. Then, apply just enough solder to coat the wire. Do this for both/all wires being connected.
Twist the tinned wires together. Then apply heat using the iron, and add a bit more solder.
Once cool, cover with heat shrink and shrink using a heat gun.