[Elecraft] Trace cutting tutorial

Tue Jun 24 12:02:00 2003

I don't have a web site reference, Gil, but I do have a straightforward
process that has worked for me many, many times.=20

The most important technique is to be patient and work S-L-O-W-L-Y.=20

I use an X-acto knife with a fresh, sharp point. I draw it across the =
trace
repeatedly until it is obvious that I have cut a fine slot that goes =
into
the PCB material under it. I repeat the procedure a millimeter or two =
away
(depending upon the room and size of the trace). Then, using the side of =
the
blade, I work it under the bit of trace that is between the two cuts =
until I
pry it up and off of the board, leaving an obvious "open" spot between =
the
trace ends.=20

In very tight quarters I have skipped isolating a section and prying it =
off
of the board. Instead, I drew a series of cuts across the trace until I =
was
satisfied that I had a clear, open path between the ends. An ohmmeter =
check
to ensure that the cut is complete is important in that case. Still, =
there
is always the danger that a tiny sliver of metal might be poised to =
touch
across the gap if you can't see that it is really clear of anything but =
PCB
material. A good, strong magnifier is a good tool to use to check the =
cut.=20

The trick is to work slowly and do NOT apply more pressure than =
necessary to
make the cut a tiny bit deeper with each stroke. Fifty lighter strokes
across the trace is far better than half a dozen heavy ones. Less chance =
of
a slip, less damage to the PCB material under the trace.=20

Others have used "Dremel" tools, and I have done that too. A tiny =
"grinding"
tool will make short work of the copper trace. But, like all "power =
tools"
successful technique is based on working very carefully and with great
restraint!  I have made entire PCB's with my Dremel tool, using it to =
grind
an outline around all of the "traces" I needed. Certainly nothing
approaching the complexity of even the most simple Elecraft board,  but =
I
have made boards that held an entire I.F. "strip" including I.F. =
amplifier,
AGC amp, crystal filter and product detector for a homebrew receiver.=20

Ron AC7AC
K2 # 1289

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] =
[mailto:[email protected]]
On Behalf Of Gil Stacy
I am at the stage in completing the KPA100 where it is recommended to =
cut=20
the trace at K2's Pin 6 and install the capacitor.  Is there a website=20
describing the procedure and how to do it?  I don't know nothing 'bout=20
birthin' a cut trace.

73 de Gil
KG4VCG
K2 # 3104