[Elecraft] New Ham & First Time Builder

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

I would add to the great comments offered by others to SOLDER AS YOU GO!


The process of stuffing parts in bunches then soldering the pads in a
group has always lead to missed solder connections.

I recommend:

1- Check the part you are about to install and where you are putting it.

2- Put it in and form the leads to hold it in place.

3- CHECK AGAIN to see if it's the right part in the right holes (amazing
how they can move around!). 

4 - Solder the part in. Do one lead, then check the part to be sure it
is tight down on the board like its supposed to be. That makes it easy
to "adjust" if its not seated properly. Then solder the remaining lead
(s). 

5 - CHECK AGAIN to see if it's the right part in the right spot.

If you do that, you won't have to worry about "desoldering" to move that
wandering part to the right location later!

The idea of stuffing parts in mobs sounds like "power building" for
"professionals" but it's really lazy building for Amateurs, in my (not
so) humble opinion. I've been building gear for 50 years and in my
experience that's the easiest way to get it wrong. I'm not saying you'll
make a mistake if you do it in groups like the book suggests, but I AM
saying that it's a LOT easier to make a mistake that way.

Ron AC7AC
K2 # 1289