[Elecraft] Mineral spirits OK for cleaning boards?

[Dave Hottell]

Folks,

Absolutely facinating what responses such a simple question can generate.  

First, let me point out that the board in question is not an Elecraft
board.  I posted the question here since there are so many knowledgable
builders.

Second, to use acetone to clean a board is the recommended procedure for
some rigs, including those as well thought of as the SWL rigs - check their
manuals.

Third, some folks must submerge their boards in cleaning solutions.  All
I'm trying to clean is the bottom.  

When I have cleaned a board in the past I pour a small amount of cleaner
into a small container and then - while holding the board vertically over
the container - brush on small amounts of cleaner.  Apply cleaner only to
the bottom.  

The residue runs down the *bottom* side of the board - never gets to the
top - never comes in contact with anything other than the bottom of the
board.  Don't really see how that can dissolve relays, etc.  Maybe this
simple procedure will cause these boards to eventully fail, but no problems
yet.  

If there are mounting or other holes in the middle of the board, special
care must be taken to insure that all of the cleaner stays on the bottom.

This procedure is not much trouble at all.  Takes maybe ten minutes, if
that.  

Once the board is cleaned, in addition to looking better, you are able to
do a much better visual inspection of all the solder joints.  Any trouble
shooting is also easier since it is not longer necessary to punch the probe
tip through the built up flux.

And, no, I don't use large solder.  Some boards have very close spacing of
the pads and even the fine solder will put quite a lot of flux on there.
Enough to interfere with probe tips.

Also, FWIW, when I worked at North American Rockwell years ago all boards
were 100% cleaned before being potted with a sealant.  Not sure now what
they used - this was 30+ years ago - may have been alcohol.   But mil-spec
boards were cleaned with no apparent damage.  Indeed, I believe the
mil-spec required it.


73 de Dave
ab9ca/4