Build Your Own Clone Message Board

Hi all.

So one of my builds from a decade ago just developed problems as discussed in another thread (this thread isn't about that), but I've become concerned about being set in my ways.

I'm worried that I actually had corrosive activity resulting from not properly cleaning my PCB, and now that I have quite a few nice builds stacked up, I'm obsessing. How important is it to clean your PCB after you finish soldering everything? In my case, I'm using rosin core solder. I've seen other threads on the internet where people make it out to be purely aesthetic, but I'm not so sure. In my case multiple joints appeared to become bad and some pads even looked like they were wiped out. I have builds preceding that pedal that still work fine, all done with the same roll of solder.

At work I do light electronics work, little molex whips for batteries, switches, etc, but never soldered my own PCBs until I got into this hobby, so I haven't had formal education on what one is "supposed to do."

It seems easy enough. I have access to an ultrasonic cleaner, and I'll probably do it from now on. But do I need to start ripping pedals apart?

I have found that it is generally true that flux residue, as well as solder-mask residue, is just an aesthetic issue. However this assumes that you've used good soldering technique. Where we occasionally see an issue is if an excessive amount of heat has been used--either too high iron temperature or excessively long contact with the PCB. This can lead to discoloration/degradation/carbonization and the creation of some degree of localized conductivity on the PCB. Excessive heat can also damage eyelets and traces on the board, but these problems are usually evident upon visual inspection.

I have built and used many dozens of BYOC and other pedal kits over the years and have never run into a performance issue traceable to this kind of defect. But my soldering technique is quite good from all that practice!

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“My favorite programming language is SOLDER” - Bob Pease (RIP)

My Website * My Musical Gear * My DIY Pedals: Pg.1 - Pg.2

Thanks, that puts my mind at ease!

Back when I started, I did not wear glasses, use a magnifier, or have a great working area. It turns out I needed glasses, and now I do all of my work under a magnifier. My skills have also improved quite a bit since the early days.

I'll try to stop worrying about it. Thanks again!