> On Sep 12, 2017, at 1:45 PM, Rob Jarratt via cctalk <cctalk@classiccmp.org>
> wrote:
>
> Thanks for all the suggestions, I am still a little undecided on what to do,
> so I have a few follow-up questions
>
> 1. Pete, you said to use solder paste and associated flux. I had a look on
> the Farnell site and there seem to be quite a few different types. I don't
> really understand the difference (for example what does "activated" mean?).
> Can you suggest a reasonable general purpose option? What flux would need to
> go with it?
"Activated" means it is more active than basic flux in removing oxides and
making the solder flow properly. Traditionally, electronic solder was "rosin
activated" (RA) or "rosin mildly activated" (RMA). There now are other
variants, for example water-soluble flux, which means you can wash it away
under the warm faucet. Or "no clean" flux which -- theoretically -- means it's
ok to leave it on the board rather than to remove it after assembly. I've had
good luck with water-soluble flux, since electronic parts in general don't mind
being washed down.
paul
