Soldering LEDs?

Question

I just recently wired about 80 leds together using acid core solder. I then heard that its bad for motherboards and such, is it a bad thing that i wired a few leds together with it?

Answer 1

Well, acid core solder isn't great because the zinc chloride in it tends to corrode copper unless it's thoroughly washed away, which is tough to do with electronics.  Your circuit will be okay for a few years at least.  

But find some radio solder and stick with it.  All Electronics Corp (do a search) probably has the best prices for solder and all sorts of surplus electronics parts, including more LED's.  I'd have recommended Radio Shack for a smaller amount of radio solder, but I don't think they're selling anything like that anymore--you could go check your local store.  Wal-mart has a pretty good Lenk soldering iron and I believe they also have rosin-core radio solder, too.  

Save the acid-core stuff for fixing car radiators.  (But yes, I've used acid-core for wiring at times--it'll get you out of a bad spot when the wires are really, really corroded, but you really shouldn't use it.)

Answer 2

Well I do a lot of soldering in my business and acid core solder is out of the question. The solder contains a substance called zinc chloride and this is basically whats left after you solder the components. The problem here is that the board would need to be cleaned very well of this substance to prevent corrosion of the board and possible failure later on. It typically will be OK for a couple years...now I say typically.

Don't  get h**l bent and re-do the whole thing. If its a project or something for just a short period of time, you'll probably be OK. You may want to scrap that solder and get yourself some silver solder or regular 60/40 tin solder at the local Radio Shack.

Answer 3

Only is terms of a "long time."