Just destroyed my emonTx Shield while soldering the jumpers :(

The jumpers on the board are super small, everything else is ok, even the radio module... just this second jumper. ugli small thing.

But for the second jumper - pin 10 or 5 , I just burn it out :(

Is there a way to connect / select RFM12B SS pin ? 

This is my first build and first post here.

Thanks.

Robert Wall's picture

Re: Just destroyed my emonTx Shield while soldering the jumpers :(

The first question is, how did you manage to destroy the p.c.b?  Are you using the correct size soldering iron and is the temperature correct? (It is as bad not hot enough as too hot!) You probably took too long to make the joint, you should be able to complete that link in less than one second.  It's too late now, but with fine work like this, it is essential to get these things right.

If you look at / download the design files for the Shield from Solderpad (there's a link on the Shield page), you'll see the pads go to header pins and a 4k7 resistor R18. You might be able to solder a fine wire link (insulated of course) on the underside of the board from the resistor to the appropriate header pin.

calypso_rae's picture

Re: Just destroyed my emonTx Shield while soldering the jumpers :(

The layout of the emonTx Shield is available on Solderpad in the Reference section.  With fine wire, such as "Kynar", you should be able to rectify any problems.  If a track has been destroyed, you can just tack the wire directly to the pad of the RFM12B chip. 

It may be helpful to route the wire through a spare hole so that it can be terminated at the correct place on the "solder" side of the board.   Most errors can be fixed with a bit of care.

Good Luck!

estqwerty's picture

Re: Just destroyed my emonTx Shield while soldering the jumpers :(

Hey thanks for the fast replays.

It is funny because this is the last thing to solder on the board and i fouled up it. :) carma.

I use the solder iron for a 3 euro - i suppose its getting too hot.

I tracked down the tack on the pcb. it connect the hole of the jumper which is connected to middle to pin 10 or pin 5.

i will just place a wire from jumper hole to the pin 10. 

right?

 

 

 

Robert Wall's picture

Re: Just destroyed my emonTx Shield while soldering the jumpers :(

I think your "cheap" €3 soldering iron could easily have cost you €16.24. It might be a good idea to throw it away and buy a more suitable one. Like this http://www.antex.co.uk/soldering/standard-soldering-irons/m12/

"will just place a wire from jumper hole to the pin 10." Yes.

estqwerty's picture

Re: Just destroyed my emonTx Shield while soldering the jumpers :(

everything is up and running. now i am moving to software part of this forum :)

fell free to use pic for the wiki if you wish - for first timers will be easy to solder jumpers this way.

thanks to all for advices. 

 

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