[Elecraft] New Ham & First Time Builder

[kc4kgu@ENTERZONE.NET]

On Fri, 25 Oct 2002, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> of the modern kits - I prefer a 1/16 inch chisel tip because the flat
> surface provides better heat transfer to the joint and minimizes the dwell
> time necessary to complete the soldering than a conical tip would do.

This holds true for most soldering but, I personally use a sharp conical
tip without any issues.  I have built every part of my Elecraft gear with
the same tip.


>  And by the way, a hotter tip temperature should mean quicker
> soldering joints.

Within reason.

> The way to fry components is to heat them for a long
> time 

Definately.

> - strive for a soldering time of 2 to 3 seconds - if it takes
> longer, the usual reason is that the tip is not hot enough.

Or you are not orienting the tip to the component lead + the pad
properly.  Heat both surfaces at the same time and the solder will flow
like butter.


>  I use a tip temperature between 700 and 800 degrees F with larger
> pads and component leads needing the higher temperatures.

Wow.  I can only think of one thing that I've dialed up more than 550
degrees F and that is tinning toroid leads.  I generally have a "dwell
time" of less than one second, even with this lower heat.

This might provide some humor for some of you... perhaps you do the same
thing without thinking about it.

I try very hard not to inhale any of the soldering fumes when I'm
working.  At the same time, I try to be efficient as possible.  I install
components in groups as indicated in the check list (up to 32 component 
leads) and then solder them as a group.

My wife noticed that I would take a breath, start soldering, do 8 leads
and then exhale, blowing the fumes away.  Take another breath, 8 more
leads.  So, once I got going, I could do a "group" in 4 breaths.

Believe it or not, the Marine Corps taught me this technique.  It wasn't
taught in communications & electronics school though but, rather in STA
(Security and Target Aquisition) school. (Fancy language for that "S" word
that the press has been throwing around.)

We would establish site picture, take a breath, wait for the body to calm
down (slow the heartbeat so the weapon didn't bounce every second or
so) and then fire the weapon.  You exhale after you see visual indication
that the projectile has hit the target.

It is amazing how these things stay with you though.  Just for grins and
giggles, I tried doing a "group" without the breathing exercise and my
hands were not as steady so, it took longer and the joints weren't as
pretty afterwards.

> Just take your time and you can do it.

Definately.  Work at whatever pace you are comfortable.  Savor the
experience.  Take my word for it... You'll be jonesing to build something
else soon enough after you finish.  Make it last. <grin>

73 de John - KC4KGU
K2/100 #2490