I picked up a Aoyue 6028 for pretty cheap in order to get me started with smd work and also to BGA my 2 Xbox 360 back to full health...
I picked up a Aoyue 6028 for pretty cheap in order to get me started with smd work and also to BGA my 2 Xbox 360 back to full health...
You will not be able to rework big BGA as is xbox GPU with that hot air station.
Flux:
1. Get good quality, name brand supplies (applies to solder and wick too). Names like Kester, MG Chemicals (they sell their Rosin 835 in smaller containers, so it's very handy for hobbyists IMHO), Multicore, Indium, AIM (American Iron and Metals), and Chemtronics (wick) for example. Chip-quik is also good for both gel flux and solder paste. You'll save yourself a lot of aggravation this way.
2. Liquid v. gel/paste, it's more application & personal preference. For example, some prefer gel for drag soldering, as liquid can run all over if not controlled. Toss say a refillable brush pen into the mix, such as a Bonkote BON-102, and the control is attainable to the point personal preference may take precedence. There's also needle bottles, brush bottles, refillable flux pens (plastic or felt tips), or even dipping a brush into a well of flux. Lots of methods to apply it that can control the covered areas.
3. In the case of BGA, I'd also recommend liquid for the same reason as the_memristor (flows under all of the balls). This assumes you won't be using paste, but actually use a reballing jig. The jig and solder balls aren't expensive, but it's a PITA IMHO (but I see BGA as a PITA in general, especially for hobbyist use).
Other:
4. Solder paste does have a shelf life and storage conditions, so read the datasheet from the manufacturer.
5. Vacuum pen and tweezers will help you place and manipulate the chip. You don't need to go crazy here, just a cheap pen and a couple of tweezers, say #5 & #7 can do a lot, and not just with BGA.
6. Round nozzles will do for most anything. Check youtube for some videos on BGA using a hot air station for technique. Specialty nozzles have their place, but are primarily time savers, not absolute necessities. Shields help, which you can make out of disposable aluminum pie plates, turkey pans, ... you can find in kitchen sections of your local superstore (dollar stores are great for these).
I use MG Chemicals liquid flux applied with a syringe. Using a syringe or small squeeze bottle with a syringe needle on it(actually what I use now) gives good control and keeps the spreading to a minimum. It is easier to overapply with the squeeze bottle so some care is needed when dispensing until you get comfortable using it. You have more control with syringes. I also cut the tips off of the needles as the beveled end makes for a larger hole and a messier dispense.
BGA rework can get very difficult if you have to reposition the BGA device. For this task you need very expensive rework stations etc...
For getting your Xbox back to life it's necessary to get the floating balls connected again by heating up the BGA. In case of fine pitch soldering I personally like the fluid flux most, because it spreads over the chip equally. Especially for BGA devices the fluid ones will cover all balls under the package.
Weller is a good producer for flux. It's not as cheap as the chinese stuff but it has a very good quality. [emoji6]
Ok
I can only answer a few of these
Liquid vs paste (gel) flux. Personally I prefer gel flux because it only leaves residue in the area you applied it, whereas liquid flux will flow and drip over a board, drying out as it spreads thin, leaving residue everywhere. Gel flux also helps to hold components in place before being tacked down
Not sure about what brands to avoid, but I and many others use Kester brand flux
Yes solder paste does have a shelf life. If kept in a fridge it will last ~6 months before deteriorating, if left in ambient temperature it will last about a week. When the paste deteriorates the flux and solder balls will separate, mixing may help in this case, as well as adding flux. If you're going to add additional flux do it in a separate container so you don't contaminate the original.
Thanks for all you help guys ... Ok with fixing my xbox am I better off with using a small or med round nozzle or get the chip size tip ??
Are alternative to soldering paste ?? Is there anything with a more of a shelf life than solder paste The reason I ask cause I have no local electronic stores,so everything has to be ordered ...
Oh my stations comes with one tip and are there certain tips I should get or need
Also am I better off modding the rework station for a digital temp display or is that not necessary ??
Should I get a couple remote temp sensors since I only have a infrared temp probe for R/C cars and not sure the accuracy and where can I get a couple for cheap and will they last??
Thanks and I was thinking about checking MG chemicals cause they are all over ebay and was not sure the quality??