[Elecraft] Soldering temperature of KPA100, KAT100

Mon Jun 23 18:10:01 2003

For most of the KPA100 build I used the same setup as I used for the K2.
I used the Edsyn soldering station with a .22" conical tip.  I did raise
the temperature to 750 from 700 which I used for the K2 and other
options.  However, when it came time to solder the two binocular
transformers and the final transistors I switched to a Radio Shack
(Weller) iron which has about 700 degrees but a wider tip.  It worked
fine.  I think a wider tip with a greater mass is more important than a
higher temperature.  In fact, too high a temperature can damage the
components or the board.  A higher mass tip prevents undue heat sinking
which can prevent a good soldering job.  You can tell by the behavior of
the solder.  It should freely flow after 2-3 seconds.  If it does not,
the iron tip mass may be too small.  The Weller has a chisel tip about
.25 inch wide.  It worked well for me.

Bruce - W8FU

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Edward Ringel
Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2003 10:21 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Elecraft] Soldering temperature of KPA100, KAT100

Hi All,

New to the list, building K2 S/N 3548. I'm about 2/3 of the way done
with the basic K2, and will be building the KPA100 and KAT100 shortly.
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
transistors and that is not part of my question.  Also, what tip size is
the best for the KPA100? Looking at the pad size, it looks like it
should be the same as the K2, but advice is welcome.

I guess the same questions arise for the KAT100. Using components rated
for higher current and voltage makes me wonder if I need the higher tip
temperature for that build as well.

Thanks.

73's

Ed Ringel

AA1WZ

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