ross549 Posted February 21, 2013 Share Posted February 21, 2013 Interesting Eric. Why is dull solder bad? Too hot when I made the joint? Adam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abarbarian Posted February 21, 2013 Share Posted February 21, 2013 Well, I'm back to planning on taking just the first part of the CCNA exam (on the 28th). I just don't have the time to learn everything needed for the combined exam. Also, I found out a few things today... The tests cost $150.00 each. The grant will pay for both the ICND1 and the ICND2 OR the combined CCNA test. They will pay for NO retakes. If I fail at any stage, retesting is on me. I KNOW I cannot pass the combined CCNA at this time. I have serious doubts that I'll be ready to pass the ICND1 next Thursday, for that matter. I want to try to pass the ICND1 so that they will pay for the ICND2. Anyway, that's where I stand at the moment. You have taken on a huge task. Stay positive and good luck for next Thursday. If you need a resit I'm happy to chuck in $10 in the pot to get you there. Drinks would defo be on you when we meet though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amenditman Posted February 21, 2013 Share Posted February 21, 2013 (edited) Interesting Eric. Why is dull solder bad? Too hot when I made the joint? Adam I had always heard it was too cold and is a weak connection. Dull because you haven't burned off the flux.You want the physical parts touching so that electrons flow directly, not through solder which is just there to hold the connection together. Edited February 21, 2013 by amenditman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V.T. Eric Layton Posted February 22, 2013 Author Share Posted February 22, 2013 @ Adam... Dull often means a cold solder joint. It's not written in stone, but it's a quick way to visually check solder joints. Sometimes, poor quality solder (too much lead, not enough tin/antimony) can also display dull, gray-ish solder joints. And speaking of flux... never use acid core solder for electrical or electronics. I'm sure everyone here knows that already. Rosin core solder is fine, but not even necessary when using a quality solder. Keep your solder guage (thickness) as thin as you can. It heats, melts, and spreads much faster and more evenly than thicker guage solder. Keep your iron at the right temp with a clean and well "tinned" tip. Have your wet sponge handy for cleaning, also. The best after soldering board cleaner is tuolene, but it's carcinogenic and doesn't play well with plastic parts. It sure does make that board look factory-fresh after you've desoldered or soldered on it, though. @ abarbarian... Thanks, mate! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V.T. Eric Layton Posted February 22, 2013 Author Share Posted February 22, 2013 Making progress on this thing, folks. I'm going to be living, eating, dreaming, defecating it for the next 6 solid daze. I WILL pass this test. My sample test scores have improved immensely in the past day or so. I'm just a hair's breath under the passing mark. However, I understand where I'm weak and why I'm making errors. That's progress! I can't keep my eyes open any longer tonight, though. Goodnight all... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V.T. Eric Layton Posted February 22, 2013 Author Share Posted February 22, 2013 Today is our last official day of CCNA class. We're off this next week to study on our own. The first test (ICND1 - Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices 1 - CCENT level certification) is Thursday the 28th at 1330hrs, so you know where I'll be that day. I'll be kicking that test's arse! I will be the proud owner of this new sig bar after that... Remember... it's a work in progress. Eventually, if all goes well, it'll look like this in the coming weeks/months... I'm hoping, anyway... Sometimes, life gets in the way of dreams and goals. I'll be working on it, though. Well, gotta' run... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rolanaj Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 I'll be kicking that test's arse! We know you will!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mac Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 Best of luck Eric! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V.T. Eric Layton Posted February 23, 2013 Author Share Posted February 23, 2013 Thanks, folks. Gotta' go study for the rest of the day now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corrine Posted February 24, 2013 Share Posted February 24, 2013 You can do it, Eric. You WILL do it, Eric. Just waiting to see that new signature. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LilBambi Posted February 24, 2013 Share Posted February 24, 2013 Absolutely Corrine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V.T. Eric Layton Posted February 26, 2013 Author Share Posted February 26, 2013 Countdown to Cisco ICND1 Examination Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abarbarian Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 Wow what a timer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
therock247uk Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 nice!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LilBambi Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 Yes, very nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V.T. Eric Layton Posted February 28, 2013 Author Share Posted February 28, 2013 I passed a full (50 questions/90 minutes) sample examination tonight with a score of 89% (80% required to pass), and a half (25 qs in 45 mins) sample examination from a second test provider with an 81% (still passing). I'd like to be doing consistent 90+, but that ain't happening. Of course, tomorrow I'll be dealing with a different environment and different questions and types. I'll have to spend a lot of my alloted time just reading the questions to make sure I'm comprehending what I need to be comprehending to properly answer the d****d questions. Wish me LUCK! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amenditman Posted February 28, 2013 Share Posted February 28, 2013 Wish me LUCK! LUCK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ross549 Posted February 28, 2013 Share Posted February 28, 2013 Take your time, Eric! Your first instinct will usually be correct. Changing an answer is rarely a good idea. We have a big test for promotion purposes each year. The above has served me well. :-) Adam 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abarbarian Posted February 28, 2013 Share Posted February 28, 2013 I'll have to spend a lot of my alloted time just reading the questions to make sure I'm comprehending what I need to be comprehending to properly answer the d****d questions. Sounds like you have the best plan worked out. Failing to read the Q properly is the most common reason for failing exams. Best of luck mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LilBambi Posted February 28, 2013 Share Posted February 28, 2013 Wish me LUCK! You got that! LUCK! +++ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corrine Posted February 28, 2013 Share Posted February 28, 2013 Thinking about you Eric and sending good luck wishes your way today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
therock247uk Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 youll do fine!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V.T. Eric Layton Posted March 1, 2013 Author Share Posted March 1, 2013 Please note my new sigline image... I passed. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
securitybreach Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 Excellent!!!!! I knew you would!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ross549 Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 Awesome, Eric! Now get to studying for the next one! Adam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abarbarian Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 The fireworks begin today. Each diploma is a lighted match. Each one of you is a fuse. - Edward Koch That was the easy part. Now you have to produce a good looking cv and get a haircut and find a suit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LilBambi Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 Please note my new sigline image... I passed. Of course you did! We knew you would! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mac Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 Congratulations Eric!!! I knew you could do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V.T. Eric Layton Posted March 1, 2013 Author Share Posted March 1, 2013 It's funny how everyone (family, friends, teacher, classmates, etc.) all knew I would pass. I guess I was the only one with doubts. Thanks all! ===== @ abarbarian... cut hair? suit? ARRRRRRGH!!! Working on the cv for sure, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amenditman Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 Great job, Eric. We knew you were up to the challenge. Wonder how many of your classmates were? Most people would not stick to the study schedule you did to accomplish this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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