[Elecraft] K2 Cleaning PCB

[Bob Nielsen]

Rick,

I don't see any problem with using alcohol, having learned the
NASA-approved method myself some 40 years ago.  On the other hand,
there is nothing wrong (except cosmetically) with leaving a bit of flux
on the board.  When I built my K2 earlier this month, I used Multicore
"no-clean" solder, which apparently has less flux than most and only
leaves a slight amount of residue, however an inexperienced solder
should probably stick to solders with the normal rosin flux, as it
certainly helps in making a good connection.

73,
Bob Nielsen, N7XY
K2 #3273


On Sat, May 17, 2003 at 06:45:47AM -0700, rick jones wrote:
> Hi all,
> 
> I'm about to start in on my RF board.  There are a lot
> of references to flux removal but I don't know what
> the prevailing opinion is on the subject. Perhaps a
> poll on how many attempted flux removal during the
> building process? At NASA soldering class we were
> taught to clean everything with pure alcohol (and only
> pure alcohol) and a stiff acid brush. Sometimes the
> final board would be immersed in an alcohol
> bath/ultrasonic cleaner for final cleaning. I don't
> think a K2 has been launched to deep space yet so the
> standards don't have to be so rigorous! If nothing
> else a flux-free PCB sure looks better IMO! So should
> I bother or do the risks out way the rewards in this
> case.
> 
> Thanks 
> Rick N3IKQ  K2 #3465