How to Prep an Alpha Potentiometer for Soldering
- 1). Clean any residue or dirt from the metal terminals of the potentiometer with alcohol and a cotton ball.
- 2). Scuff the terminals of the potentiometer with 800-grit sandpaper. There is a shiny coating that you must remove before you can make a good connection.
- 3). Tin the potentiometer. Heat one terminal at a time with the soldering iron. Hold the solder to the terminal until the solder melts and flows over the terminal. Tinning makes it easier to make a good solder connection between the potentiometer and the wire you will be soldering to it.
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