[Elecraft] Soldering temperature of KPA100, KAT100

[Lyle Johnson]

Hello Ed!

> ...The KPA100 indicates that the soldering tip temperature should be 800
> which is different from the 700 specified for the K2-do most builders
> agree with this? Obviously, a high wattage iron is needed for the power..

What is needed at one or two points in the construction of the KPA100 is
sufficient heat capacity to solder the power transistor tabs to the PC board
ground plane as well as to solder a couple of transformers down.

I built my KPA100 and KAT100 with my soldering iron tip temprature set to
700 degrees Fahrenheit.  A too-hot tip is just a way to increase the
momentary heat capacity of the iron, but includes the danger of thermal
shock.  It is better to have more tip mass at the correct temperature, with
enough heat capacity (which might imply higher wattage) than a too-small
mass backed by insufficient heat capacity at a higher temperature.

Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

-Lyle KK7P