Playstation 1 FAQ
What soldering temperature is needed for PS1 modding?
The Numbers
Soldering temps can actually be displayed/measured in two ways. In actual degrees of temperature and/or the soldering irons running watts. Higher end soldering stations give you the option of choosing any temperature you want. Simple soldering irons usually have a watts rating. Sometimes the temperature is listed and sometimes it isn't. As far as minimums, we suggest you have soldering equipment with AT LEAST 30W of power and/or 400 degrees F temp capabilities. These are minimums and for some PS1 modding those temps will not be high enough, read on to learn why.
Different temps for different jobs
While the above numbers are the MINIMUM soldering temperature(s) needed they will only get you by with the minimum projects. Those settings will work if you are making your own LED kit for instance, as you can tap the power board wires to power them. What if you want to use a direct power source on a main board? Maybe you want to change the power LED color? If you want to do that you will need much higher rated soldering equipment than listed above. The soldering temps needed for PS1 modding go way up when you need to desolder or attach wires to main board solder joints. The solder used on PS1 main boards is not the same type of solder you would typically buy online or from hardware stores. These solders have much higher melting temps. Sometimes even as high as 900 degrees F.
What we use
We use soldering stations that max out at around 980 degrees F. These are usually 70-90 watt machines as well. If you want to solder or desolder from the PS1 mainboard, here are the temperatures needed for PS1 modding; A soldering iron/station with at least a 60 watt rating. If going by temperature make sure the iron/station can go up to 700 degrees F.(800 would be much better)
