2020 Goals - Soldering an Eggfinder

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Pretty sure there's more than one type of data cable in existence. Key seems to be the end color. Just ask Cris, he's exceptional as far as support goes. And, no, you won't be "calling" Him, Email is the key otherwise I'm sure he'd never be allowed any sleep. Do yourself a favor and either print/have printed for you or go to your makerspace, one of these and get a non-stick cookie sheet, it'll make your life better in so many ways..https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/magnetic-circuit-board-holder-for-soldering-station.156210/
 
SecondRow said:
I'm in Atlanta. I think this is a good idea. I've been watching videos, but I still really can't tell what a cold solder joint is, what a dry solder joint is, or what a good joint looks like. My wife reminded me last night that there is a maker space only a few minutes from our house. The membership is $25/month. I might join and see if anyone there can give me advice.
Click to expand...
If you join the maker space, they should have all the stuff for soldering SMT components, saving you from having to buy it all up front. You can decide if you like this kind of stuff, or even get a better idea of what to buy. $25/month is pretty cheap compared to what's around me.

In response to tip size, 0.2 mm is way too small for this. You will have a tough time spreading the heat well. I used a 0.6 mm without any problems.
 
If you do join the Makerspace, use your head whilst taking "advice". Odds are, they're there for the same reason as you.
 
billdz said:
I bought the gikfun practice kit a couple of weeks ago when I bought a Quark. The gikfun was helpful but today I built the Quark and it was substantially more difficult than the gikfun. I did get the Quark working despite 3 unfortunate bridges, my first surface mount project ever. I've heard the Eggfinder is harder. Good luck!
Click to expand...

The Quark is the hardest for me. Even compared to the eggfinder Mini.
That said, my TRS developed an overheating V regulator problem and never saw flight.
The Proton has -lots- of pads to solder, but I don't think its as cramped as the Quark.
 
Charles_McG said:
The Quark is the hardest for me. Even compared to the eggfinder Mini.
That said, my TRS developed an overheating V regulator problem and never saw flight.
The Proton has -lots- of pads to solder, but I don't think its as cramped as the Quark.
Click to expand...
I concur, personally manged to screw one up that no one seems to be able to fix.
 
Just realized you said Quark, while I was referring to Quantum. I have more than one of each and a few Eggfinders/minis/lcds, etc. etc. The only one that's apparently beyond repair is the one Quantum.
 
Wallace said:
I concur, personally manged to screw one up that no one seems to be able to fix.
Click to expand...

In general, I've had good success assembling eggDevices. I've had a couple fail after a few flights. Cris has offered excellent support - I keep buying more, and waiting for the next. I'm just a simple eggFan.

I did have a Quark fail after a couple flights in a way that made me change my preflight testing. Something happened so that it fires one of the channels as soon as it's plugged in. I traced it all the way back to the processor. A Quark doesn't cost enough to be worth repairing - but now I test with a Christmas light, not an ematch.
 
Charles_McG said:
In general, I've had good success assembling eggDevices. I've had a couple fail after a few flights. Cris has offered excellent support - I keep buying more, and waiting for the next. I'm just a simple eggFan.

I did have a Quark fail after a couple flights in a way that made me change my preflight testing. Something happened so that it fires one of the channels as soon as it's plugged in. I traced it all the way back to the processor. A Quark doesn't cost enough to be worth repairing - but now I test with a Christmas light, not an ematch.
Click to expand...
Absolutely concur. Christmas tree bulbs are your friend in that regard. And... I also have a Quantum that has a tendency to act erratically. And "Eggfan" was pretty funny btw. Didn't know Ya had it in you, always so damn serious ;)
 
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what I did was buy some of the eggtimer kits and learned to solder on those, only through hole parts on those. then I did one of the Egg kits with the SMT parts. now I feel like I could probably do an Eggfinder the only hitch would be the GPS chip with like 18 pins on all four sides
 
solid_fuel said:
what I did was buy some of the eggtimer kits and learned to solder on those, only through hole parts on those. then I did one of the Egg kits with the SMT parts. now I feel like I could probably do an Eggfinder the only hitch would be the GPS chip with like 18 pins on all four sides
Click to expand...
It appears more intimidating than it is. Just be careful with th solder/avoid bridges..You'll be fine..
 
Egg kits appeal to me because they are inexpensive, and a bit of a challenge. I have built many, and tried lots of different tools and techniques including several different soldering stations, soldering microscopes, hot air, and even solder paste and a hot plate!

Here are my tips and tricks.
- Spare parts + Antenna = Mouser If you loose or damage a part, replacements are available at mouser.com - everything but the main PCB.
- Best antenna for the TX - also works good the the RX and LCD = Mouser Part# 712-ANT-916-CW-HW
- ebay for tools. No need to spend $$$ on fancy soldering stations. I get all my equipment uber-cheap from china on ebay. That includes the recommended best $5 Egg soldering iron I have ever used. ebay search term= USB 5V 8W SOLDERING IRON (I'm not kidding about this)
- everyone's vision is different but most folks require a magnifier of some kind. I use several different ones. The strap-on-your-head magnifier and the 10x loupe (more than 10x is NOT better) are the ones I use the most.
- don't be afraid to use a little flux - ebay search term = kester 951 no clean flux pen.
-make sure to read the EGGcelent instructions - from the eggtimer web site. Then read them again.
- check the polarity and orientation of the parts. Then check it again. Things workout much better when you get it right.
- ebay search term = openlog data logger. Add on to the TX to record the GPS track.
- ebay search term = silicone repair mat. I love this mat with all the little slots and compartments to organize the parts.
- ebay search term = smd soldering practice kit. Practice and screw up and learn to do better before you trash your EGG kit.

In conclusion - EGG kits are fun and easy, and satisfying to build. You don't need fancy equipment - the $5 usb soldering iron really is my favorite one. An adjustable iron is NOT required. Sure you can drop mega-bucks on a fancy remote control soldering microscope and 50" wall mounted display etc... but it might not actually make things easier. (ask me how I know)

47158196_10212707805198391_367859568035758080_o.jpg
 
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scsager said:
Egg kits appeal to me because they are inexpensive, and a bit of a challenge. I have built many, and tried lots of different tools and techniques including several different soldering stations, soldering microscopes, hot air, and even solder paste and a hot plate!

Here are my tips and tricks.
- Spare parts + Antenna = Mouser If you loose or damage a part, replacements are available at mouser.com - everything but the main PCB.
- Best antenna for the TX - also works good the the RX and LCD = Mouser Part# 712-ANT-916-CW-HW
- ebay for tools. No need to spend $$$ on fancy soldering stations. I get all my equipment uber-cheap from china on ebay. That includes the recommended best $5 Egg soldering iron I have ever used. ebay search term= USB 5V 8W SOLDERING IRON (I'm not kidding about this)
- everyone's vision is different but most folks require a magnifier of some kind. I use several different ones. The strap-on-your-head magnifier and the 10x loupe (more than 10x is NOT better) are the ones I use the most.
- don't be afraid to use a little flux - ebay search term = kester 951 no clean flux pen.
-make sure to read the EGGcelent instructions - from the eggtimer web site. Then read them again.
- check the polarity and orientation of the parts. Then check it again. Things workout much better when you get it right.
- ebay search term = openlog data logger. Add on to the TX to record the GPS track.
- ebay search term = silicone repair mat. I love this mat with all the little slots and compartments to organize the parts.
- ebay search term = smd soldering practice kit. Practice and screw up and learn to do better before you trash your EGG kit.

In conclusion - EGG kits are fun and easy, and satisfying to build. You don't need fancy equipment - the $5 usb soldering iron really is my favorite one. An adjustable iron is NOT required. Sure you can drop mega-bucks on a fancy remote control soldering microscope and 50" wall mounted display etc... but it might not actually make things easier. (ask me how I know)

View attachment 401056
Click to expand...

Do you have a link for the optical system? And how do you hold the PCB in place when soldering?
 
Wallace said:
Pretty sure there's more than one type of data cable in existence. Key seems to be the end color. Just ask Cris, he's exceptional as far as support goes. And, no, you won't be "calling" Him, Email is the key otherwise I'm sure he'd never be allowed any sleep. Do yourself a favor and either print/have printed for you or go to your makerspace, one of these and get a non-stick cookie sheet, it'll make your life better in so many ways..https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/magnetic-circuit-board-holder-for-soldering-station.156210/
Click to expand...

Cris uses a special USB to serial chip that is located in the USB connector. As far as I know he has designed all of his units to use this cable.
 
Wallace said:
https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/magnetic-circuit-board-holder-for-soldering-station.156210/
Best system I've found to date. Otherwise Cris just recommends taping the board down. "IF" your work surface will accept tape, that works just fine also..
Click to expand...

Thanks to Wallace on another thread I made a magnetic PCB holder yesterday. I took some mahogany I had laying around (nice & dense) cut a couple of 1" pieces, kerfed them near the top with a bandsaw (kerf is just wide enough for the PCB to slide in) and then drilled a hole in each one big enough & deep enough to press in some small circular Neodynium magnets. I use it on an old metal toaster oven pan I had laying aroun. It seems like it will work great.
 

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There's nothing more I love than ingenuity. That is a sweet, simple design that cost nothing more than a bit of your time and a tew things I'm fairly certain you already had laying around. I'll take a homemade tool over store bought every time. Field expedience is my "thing". Outstanding Sir!
 
And, although the pic s a little blurry, looks like a well done job on that whatever it's called.
 
Ok, now the BIG question...Does it work? Whatever it's supposed to do, that is..
 
SecondRow said:
I'm in Atlanta. I think this is a good idea. I've been watching videos, but I still really can't tell what a cold solder joint is, what a dry solder joint is, or what a good joint looks like. My wife reminded me last night that there is a maker space only a few minutes from our house. The membership is $25/month. I might join and see if anyone there can give me advice.
Click to expand...

So the local maker space had an open build night the other day. I took the kids and we toured it. After a brief intro, they gave me a board and some parts and let me use their soldering station. I only had time to put three resistors on, because the kids wanted to build something, too. I took the board home, checked it on my multimeter, and the connections for all three were good! And all three were physically in there strong - I tried wiggling them and they didn't move. They're not pretty, but they work. So, some success.

I've ordered a couple practice board from Amazon, including the Gikfun boards linked above. I'll start with some through hole practice boards and then move on. I also joined the maker space, so I'll do most of my work there until I get comfortable. There's a retired EE who likes to help teach.
 
Greg Furtman said:
I have another Quantum on the way. :)
Click to expand...

Greg, if I may ask, which hot air system did you use? That could be a great attachment mechanism for the module on the Eggfinder - I think. Not sure if I can bake it in my “poor man’s SMT” oven from Target since I know nothing about the melting point of the solder used on the module.
 
g.pitts said:
Greg, if I may ask, which hot air system did you use? That could be a great attachment mechanism for the module on the Eggfinder - I think. Not sure if I can bake it in my “poor man’s SMT” oven from Target since I know nothing about the melting point of the solder used on the module.
Click to expand...
g.pitts, I bought one like this on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H4RHZ21/ref=dp_cerb_1
 
SecondRow said:
So the local maker space had an open build night the other day. I took the kids and we toured it. After a brief intro, they gave me a board and some parts and let me use their soldering station. I only had time to put three resistors on, because the kids wanted to build something, too. I took the board home, checked it on my multimeter, and the connections for all three were good! And all three were physically in there strong - I tried wiggling them and they didn't move. They're not pretty, but they work. So, some success.

I've ordered a couple practice board from Amazon, including the Gikfun boards linked above. I'll start with some through hole practice boards and then move on. I also joined the maker space, so I'll do most of my work there until I get comfortable. There's a retired EE who likes to help teach.
Click to expand...
Soldering can be frustrating at times, but as long as you don't totally overheat the components you can have do-overs at will. Look for a nice clean and shiny joint and you'll be fine.
 

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