[Elecraft] Installing and Soldering U6 LCD

Tom Hammond [email protected]
Thu Jul 24 13:50:01 2003


Hi Paul:

>Having installed the LED diffuser, I'm about to
>install the LCD.  "Dry fitting" the part, as it
>were, I notice that the terminal pins just barely
>touch the surface of the circuit board pads.
>
>Now I know that the manual specifies that the pins
>of some LCDs supplied in K2 kits will not
>protrude thru the circuit board, in which case
>the manual directs you to solder the LCD from the
>top of the circuit board.  But I'm concerned that
>my LCD protrudes into the top of the circuit
>board mounting hole just barely, if at all.  Is
>this really a problem?

I've not seen any instances where a properly installed diffuser would 
prevent the LCD pins from all entering the holes of the PC board.

It IS a 'touchy' point in assembly however... and you do need to take care 
to ensure that all pins DO get into their associated holes AND that all of 
the holes are well-filled with solder... to ensure that the pins make good 
electrical connection.

>I rechecked the mounting height of the LED
>diffuser and (supported by the two spacers) it is
>"spot on" at 1/8" above the circuit board height.

Be absolutely certain that all pins (actually all SHOULDERS of the pins) 
are flush against the PC board. Sometimes a little 'tilt' in the diffuser, 
when it is installed, can translate to an inability to properly install the 
LCD later.

Should you find the need to re-seat the diffuser, DO NOT attempt to remove 
it without a heated vacuum solder sucker. Using solder wick or a 
plunger-type solder sucker is almost a recipe for damage to one or more of 
the PC board lands, or possibly a pin on the diffuser.

Good luck,

Tom Hammond   N0SS