BN-880Q GPS module difficult to solder

[louisbertrand]

On the Beitian BN-880Q GPS module, it is difficult to solder the header pins because the pads are thin and unplated. The solder does not flow easily onto the pads. This will be a problem for inexperienced kit builders, where they could get an unreliable connection to the module, or no connection at all.

[robouden]

Not sure what we should do. It will require more work for me.. I will think about it..

[louisbertrand]

I recommend that kits be shipped with header pins already soldered to the module. The plastic frame of the header should be on the bottom side of the module PCB, with the short end of the pins through the module PCB. The long end would then be inserted into the Zen PCB.

Antenna     AAAAAAAAA
GPS PCB   ==============
Pins        i i i i i i
Frame      #############
Long pins   | | | | | |

Apologies for the bad ASCII art.

[robouden]

I understand the idea.. :)

[robouden]

There are BE-880Q (We have now BN-880Q) out, and I will check if they are better/easier to solder. That was a suggestion for Pieter in an email.