[Elecraft] Mineral spirits OK for cleaning boards?

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Dave, I suspect you are reading too much into the answers you got.=20

Since this an ELECRAFT board, it's also a fair assumption that, unless
stated otherwise, you are talking about building an Elecraft rig.  I was
thinking of the specific pitfalls I am aware of on the Elecraft boards. =
For
example, I mentioned relays NOT because they would dissolve, but because
they are one place in an Elecraft rig where solvent might get in an =
produce
intermittent operation. The Elecraft rigs use a lot of enclosed latching
relays which are very reliable if treated properly.=20

I noticed that a number of people stopped, took their time, and tried to
help answer your question. Being careful and helpful is sort of an =
addiction
among the Elecraft gang. We all try very hard to cover "all the bases" =
and
keep each other out of trouble. Towards that end we take a LOT of time =
and
thought to try to think of what pitfalls your comments might suggest you =
are
heading toward. You did not mention dabbing only the bottom of the board
carefully with minimal solvent, so a lot of us - me included - jumped to =
the
conclusion that you might be a little more ... er.... "aggressive" about
cleaning the board. You did not mention your prior experience with PCB's =
so
a lot of us, me included - assumed that you MIGHT be new to building.=20

One thing about the Elecraft rigs is that while they are "intermediate =
to
advanced" kits to build, a LOT of first-time builders have tackled them
successfully. They have been successful for several reasons including =
the
great design, documentation and - by no means least of all - by all the
large amount of time contributed by other builders here on the reflector =
who
answer all sorts of questions. Personally, I usually assume that it's a =
new
builder asking the question even though that takes a lot more time to
compose an answer. I notice that most others do that too. The reason I =
do
that is to be sure I cover all the data I can think of to help a new =
builder
be successful. I figure that if I am in error and the person asking the
question has lots of experience, he/she can discard the unnecessary =
details.
But if I assume an experienced builder and it's a novice, my answer is
likely to be more confusing than helpful, and might even lead the =
builder to
do something that causes problems later.=20

Sorry if you didn't get exactly the answer you wanted, and I'm sorry you =
got
a lot of data you didn't want, but it's what happens when a lot of ops =
who
really care try to help out when someone asks a question. I can assure =
you
that the overload was done with the very BEST of intentions.=20

73,

Ron AC7AC
K2 # 1289