Resource to learn how to use soldering iron to fix joysticks, consoles etc. ?

[Tyree_Cooper]

So I've broken yet another set of PS1 dualshock vibrator cables. I hate them, no matter how gentle I am while cleaning and then reassembling the controller (which is hell to do), they always break. This time they ALL broke, both motors, both red and black.

So I think it's the good time to buy a cheap soldering iron and fix the mess. Will a 40W or 60W be OK? Do I need to add some metal or can I just heat the end of the cable and the connecting point on the PCB, and stick them together?

Maybe there's a good VG- soldering resource out there... send me the link

(I know I can just buy a new controller, but this controller came in the box of a complete unit, i really want to keep it together)

 

[Tobyrieper]

They are tiny wires bud, just gotta take it easy. Get yourself a 60 watt soldering iron station. A hakko clone should be good enough. I use yihua's they don't break the bank and are a lot better then those cheapo plug in wands.

I used eev blog tought me most i know. Been doing it for about 3 years now. You can check out Daves YouTube channel 'eevblog ' or do a Google search; there's heaps of good stuff on there.

 

[Tyree_Cooper]

yeah i got annoyed and they snapped, it was midnight and the thing wouldn't put back together, a moment of craziness, a lifetime of regret

thanks i will get a 60w one if possible

i read that being such a small wire, i can just heat the end of the wire and "attach" it back. will be checking some resources you mentioned, thanks again

 

[Ergot]

A 25-30w soldering iron will be fine for small wires like this. You need to tin the wire before you reattach it.

 

[Tyree_Cooper]

craps just bought a cheap 60W one with wooden handle, I feel like it's 1985 again.
now checking how to tin a wire and ill be on my way soon.
hopefully i can still do it with the 60W one? or will it damage the tiny wires?

 

[Tobyrieper]

Just use a lower heat maybe try 280 degrees C and go up from there. Make sure you use flux too I use my 60 watter for everything for small (tiny wires) bit less heat and a smaller tip,

 

[LeHaM]

Wattage isn't as important as having a temperature controlled iron

buy a hakko clone, if you can afford the extra money buy a T12 cartridge one (don't run over 390c)

Here is a video I made about mine:


The "genuine" amtech flux on aliexpress is pretty good, I use it for micro BGA work, works fine (just doesn't like certain cleaners)

All in all, you'll only need like $50 USD to get a good kit