- To unsolder a row of header pins from a PCB, you must be very skilled at soldering and have the proper tools.
- If need be, just solder the Dupont pins to only the necessary module pins, these can be easily unsoldered one by one when needed.
What external components does your project require to be connected to the board ?
Only two! A MicroSD SPI and OLED I2C (128x64) module.
Solder the pins onto the board and test the project using the breadboard. When you know that it works mount the components on perf or strip board using sockets
A pair of wire cutters is the most important , just cut all the plastic bits and the metal bits become individually soldered to the PCB. Removing the solder from the holes on the PCB will require a solder pump, and even then some will remain, but these are fairly basic tools and don't require that much skill.
Simple option is to use two micros, put headers on one for testing, then use the other for the permanent installation into the project. Always helps to have more than one anyway, since nearly everyone occasionally makes some mistake that damages a board.
I think these look interesting but have not tried them yet https://www.adafruit.com/product/5938
And the technique shown by this guy looks promising for desoldering
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vou2xlJkuoU
I have loads of those and use them all the time in combination with their female counterparts.
That does depend a bit on the solder used on the PCB.
I just cut the plastic section with wire cutters, after which the individual pins are easy to remove.
The trickiest bit is to remove enough of the solder from the hole so you insert something else into it again.
In the end it is not about re-using the pin headers, but about reusing the PCB. Usually it will work, and sometimes it will work by applying heat while trying to shove it through the hole.
Just solder the final wires and also use them for testing.
Or solder the final wires onto female header pins.