[Elecraft] solder popper (was mods)

Mon May 26 01:15:01 2003

Wish I would've found one of those awhile back.

At Dayton, I picked up a Den-On motorized pump desoldering tool for $55
(SC5000) - same form factor as a Hakko 808.  This guy also sales a newer
model (SC7000) for $75.  He also sells spare parts for both models.
Different sized tips available, too.  Couldn't tell you if he has anymore
but I'm pretty sure he sold all that he brought to the Hamvention.

Just a satisfied customer --> www.eaesales.com

Paul KB0LUR

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Richard Stasiak
Sent: Sunday, May 25, 2003 7:22 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Elecraft] K2 A to B mods parts removal - solder popper

I just finished up the A to B mods and thermistor upgrade.

I held off doing these for a long time because of the parts removal issues.
I only had a large blue solder sucker in my bag of tricks.  I knew that I
would have trouble heating a joint with a soldering iron and getting the
solder sucker in close enough to get all the solder out. I also did not have
confidence that I could do the solder wick procedure and not end up damaging
pads or traces.

The Hakko unit sounded like a good tool, but the cost of the unit after
conversion to Canadian dollars put me off.

Well to get to my point.  A few weeks ago I got some advice from fellow
Elecrafters on the GC Solder Popper.  I picked up one of these babies from
Jameco (# 19254) for $26.95 US.  I have nothing but rave reviews on this
item.  It worked like a charm.  No problems removing parts at all.  I didn't
even cut any parts in half to get them out one lead at a time.   And not one
lifted pad or wrecked traces.  Talk about a confidence boost.  At the end of
the process I even threw in the R99 power stability mod in as a bonus.  I
guess the old adage about having the right tools to do a job is still true.

I'm now ready for any mods that you may want to throw my way.

BTW I'd like to thank the fellows personally for the great advice about the
solder popper, but I've inadvertantly deleted their emails, so I'll do it
here.  Thanks guys!!!!

I'd also like to thank the Elecrafters who unselfishly share their technical
expertise in regards to mods and other issues.  You sure have increased my
knowledge base and made it fun to have a K2.

73 to all
Rick ve3mm
K2 #1591

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