[Elecraft] New Builder

Tue Aug 19 00:48:00 2003

Hi,

I agree that soldering is key, however I wouldn't touch the K2 with a
non-temp controlled soldering iron.  As Don mentioned below, a non-temp
controlled soldering iron will typically get way to hot and it is a sure way
to make a mess of things.  If you can't finance a temp controlled soldering
iron at the moment, see if you can borrow one from a fellow HAM.  Having the
right tool for the job in this case is not optional, it's essential.  The
light dimmer trick may work ok, however it's still a compromise to a
soldering station with temperature regulation at the right temperature.
Good Luck.

John

----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Brown" <[email protected]>
To: "Ryan Neary" <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>
Cc: <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2003 12:47 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Builder

Hi

While a good soldering station is the way to go if you must use one of the
inexpensive soldering irons. Get a lamp dimmer to plug it into. These irons
make up for their lack of regulation and low mass by running way too hot for
most PC board work. Get a table top lamp dimmer or mount a wall type dimmer
in a box with a plug for the soldering iron. Try a few joints at different
settings of the dimmer until you get good joints without burning the board.
Use an old board for testing. You should be able to make a good joint in 2
or 3 seconds if the heat is right.

This goes for any type of iron, do not wipe the tip too much before making
the joint. It just cools the tip. One quick wipe on both sides is enough. Do
not wipe the tip between joints wipe only when removing the iron from in the
stand. In other words you have inserted 6 or 7 resistors. Remove the iron
from the stand and make one wipe on each side then make the 12 -14 joints
and put the iron back in the holder. The excess solder left on the iron
after completing the joints will protect the tip. The holder should be the
type that does not touch the tip or the heating element but holds the iron b
y the handle. (I have seen ash trays used. Not good!) If anything touches
the tip or element it will just cool it or make the iron cycle too much if
it is a soldering station. The stations have the proper holder built in use
it.

 Get yourself a temperature controlled soldering station as soon as you can
you wont be sorry.

Don Brown

  ----- Original Message -----
  From: [email protected]
  To: Ryan Neary
  Cc: [email protected]
  Sent: Monday, August 18, 2003 2:06 PM
  Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Builder

  Dear Ryan,
  Good soldering skills is are key to success.  However, these are easily
  learned.  There's even a tutorial on the Elecraft web site!  Look in the
  "builder's resources" section.

  Successful soldering begins with a reasonable soldering iron.  You can pay
  $100 (give or take) on a temperature controlled soldering station, but
  others have been successful with a $25 pencil iron from Radio Shack.  Have
  a look through the email list archives for several good recommendations
  from Hakko, Weller, Edsyn, and perhaps others.

  SNIP

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