[Elecraft] Mineral spirits OK for cleaning boards?

[Tom Hammond]

So Dave...

You (obviously) already KNEW the answer and were just rtying to stir things 
up???

Inquiring minds want to know...

73,

Tom  N0SS

At 07:45 PM 6/18/03, Dave Hottell wrote:
>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
>
>
>
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