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QMX+ USB-C Connector solder joints

 

Getting prepared to start on my QMX+ build, and notice that the USB-C pins don't seem to be soldered correctly.? Should I make an attempt at resoldering these tiny connections?? The pins are flush with the PCB and don't stick out above the board at all, which might make things a bit challenging.



I'd appreciate any feedback!

Thanks,

-Dj, N1JOV

 

I would. One of the side tabs doesn't seem to be soldered at all.
--
John AE5X
 

Vital to touch the pins while soldering. Maybe pause to get others to comment who are currently building a qmx plus.?

Curt
 


Hi

I suggest you try to remove it completely if you can.

Then clean out all of the holes.

Plug the connector back in, I am not familiar with USB-C sockets but I would expect to see the pin to protrude right through the board.

Then resolder.

?
 

This is how the QMX is as well. The tabs on the end are a ground and structural and I would add solder to them. They are easy. The pins are almost always connected. I have seen very few reports of them not being connected. There is just a serial connection and a ground that is used. On mine QMX, I used solder paste and a heat gun because the holes looking full made me happy. It¡¯s not an easy task.?
--
Colin - K6JTH?
 

It's the same on QMX and QMX+.

The connectivity of the USB port is tested before we ship the boards. So there IS soldering. It just doesn't look like a lot. You'll find a place in the assembly manual where I recommend just for comfort, adding a bit more solder to these pins. But you have to be careful not to create shorts.?

73 Hans G0UPL


On Thu, May 30, 2024, 07:31 Colin Kaminski via <colinskaminski=[email protected]> wrote:
This is how the QMX is as well. The tabs on the end are a ground and structural and I would add solder to them. They are easy. The pins are almost always connected. I have seen very few reports of them not being connected. There is just a serial connection and a ground that is used. On mine QMX, I used solder paste and a heat gun because the holes looking full made me happy. It¡¯s not an easy task.?
--
Colin - K6JTH?
 

Thank you Hans and everyone else that responded.?
I'll add some solder to the side tabs, and leave the small center pins as-is for now.? If I run into USB problems I'll check this first.?
I've also ordered a digital microscope so I can get a better look inside the holes.?

Thank you!

-Dj, N1JOV
 

Dj,

Hey neighbor!? Are you going to bring that QMX+ to Lobstercon2024?

-Nate AC1AS
 

The connector is soldered using SMT methods just like other SMT parts. The Raspberry Pi 5 switched to using SMT methods to solder through hole parts and the outcome is mostly similar to this, which makes sense, because the paste is placed between the connector and board, which means that the connection is on the other side of the hole from what would exist in traditional through hold soldering.

--
Ahmed Charles

On Thursday, May 30th, 2024 at 6:11 AM, Dj Merrill via groups.io <groupsio@...> wrote:

Thank you Hans and everyone else that responded.?
I'll add some solder to the side tabs, and leave the small center pins as-is for now.? If I run into USB problems I'll check this first.?
I've also ordered a digital microscope so I can get a better look inside the holes.?

Thank you!

-Dj, N1JOV

 

On Fri, May 31, 2024 at 12:13 AM, Ahmed Charles wrote:
the paste is placed between the connector and board, which means that the connection is on the other side of the hole
Ah!? That makes a lot of sense, thank you!

-Dj, N1JOV

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