[Elecraft] Circuit Board Soldering Question

[David A. Belsley]

On Dec 18, 2003, Dennie Mildfelt wrote:
> After building several other
> projects I have found that placing one piece and then soldering it 
> seems to
> work better and stop mistakes. My question, is there any reason for not
> doing it this way?

Doing more than one component at a time is absolutely the best way to 
leave something unsoldered.  I suspect it also increases the odds of a 
cold solder joint.  Your attention is drawn partially ahead to all that 
is yet to be done (and trying to avoid all the leads sticking up in the 
way of your soldering iron) rather than concentrating fully on what you 
are doing.  I was surprised when the manual advocated doing this.  
Doing one at a time allows you to devote your attention to the 
soldering of the particular component, it keeps the untrimmed leads of 
the other components out of the way while you are soldering, and it 
makes it easier and surer to check the soldering once done.

If you do decide to do several components at once, you can minimize the 
chance of error by sequentially checking the soldering of each pad 
(both sides) as you trim its lead.  This lets you keep track of what 
needs yet to be checked.  If you clip several leads at once, it is 
often difficult and time consuming to figure out which pad(s) need 
checking, because once you concentrate on one you forget exactly where 
the others are.

Or, at least, this is my experience -- which, hey, is exactly 51 years 
today!  Just thought of that. God, what a great hobby!  --  made even 
better by Elecraft  -- thanks again guys.

best wishes,

dave belsley, w1euy