On 5/17/2014 8:08 PM, Don Foreman wrote:
On Fri, 16 May 2014 01:33:24 -0400, Tom Gardner Mars@Tacks wrote:

I had a huge struggle with soldering a couple of DB-9 connectors, my
vision and fine motor control just aren't what they used to be. And, I
only had to make 5 connections on the DB-9's, it took me close to an
hour. These are for a DRO, I've been using a break-out box until now on
the mismatched scales and display. Remember, the display bit the dust a
while ago.

I did have the connectors locked in a miniature vice but I couldn't
think of any other techniques that would help.

Soldering a DB-9 connector is dirt simple easy as things go today, but
it ain't the same as soldering tube sockets with a solder gun.

Three issues:

- vision, which doesn't improve as we age
- manual steadiness -- which doesn't improve as we age
- right tools -- which we can better afford as we age

Vision: whatever works. The binocular visors others have mentioned
suffice for me; I don't solder anything without those. For finer
stuff, like surfacemount, I use a binoc microscope I got on Ebay.

Manual steadiness: cheating is encouraged as it is in TIG welding and
marksmanship. Use any support that will work, use what you've
learned about precision shooting with available supports. Snipercraft.

Tools: a really good soldering station can make a world of
difference. I use a Pace TW-100 that I got a decade ago. There may
be other better choices available now, but I could solder a gnat's
balls together with that arn under the microscope. Doing a DB-9 is no
challenge at all with hand rests and the binocular visors.

---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com



Funny, I shoot a hell of a lot better than I did 20 or even 30 years
ago. I think you hit the nail on the head and I need better tools! I
need just one more pistol too!