Hand Soldering Competition 2025

Overview

We are holding a SMD hand soldering competition at 39C3. Register now for open timeslots via Matrix, DECT: 79552, email at: io@segfaultdragons.net or directly at the SegFaultDragons assembly in Halle 3. The goal is to solder a PCB with some tiny LEDs and other nasty parts in the shortest time possible. Every contestant receives a badge, keeps the board and the top 3 win a prize.
Contestants are expected to have soldering experience - beginners will not be able to finish within the given time. For more details check the rules below.
Entering the contest is free. Part of the equipment and prizes are currently sponsored by us, so we'd appreicate any donations to recoup the cost.

Rules

The board must be soldered at the station within the given timeslot¹
The finished board must work (all LEDs must light up correctly)
Only the provided materials and tools at the soldering station may be used
All contestants get ranked by their recorded time, the fastest contestants will be picked as winners
People that don't show up will have their slot reassigned/given up
We'll publish the nickname you've signed up with on the leaderboard here

Unfortunatly this means contestants will be asked to leave when the time runs out. The schedule is tight and we need to make space for other contestants :(.
Beginners will not be able to finish within the given time. If you consider yourself slow or inexperienced, consider the last time slots on the day, they have far more time assigned.

Prizes

All contestants will get to keep the board along with the parts. The winners get a prize in order of their placement. Prizes can be claimed on the last day of the convention at 15:30 am (2025-12-30 15:30:00) at the SegFaultDragons assembly.

iFixit Power Series Smart Soldering Iron
47 Euro coupon for Trade Post 47
ESP32

Leaderboard

Rank

Name

Time (hh:ii:ss)

marble