[Elecraft] OT - Soldering Crystal Cans

[Tom Hammond]

Hi Bill:

Here's how I do it... YMMV:

I prefer to attach the ground wire to the can BEFORE i install the xtal.

1) Place the xtal on edge in a 'holder' (I use a Vacu-Vise) to hold it steady.

2) Using moderate heat (c. 700 deg. F) I'll quickly tin the side of the 
xtal can.

3) I'll then tin the component lead I'm going to use for the ground lead 
(even if it's tinned copper wire, tinning it helps).

4) Lay the tinned lead against the edge of the xtal can and hit it with the 
iron for a couple seconds.

VOILA!  Done.

73,

Tom Hammond     N0SS



At 10:38 AM 2/5/04, Bill Tippett wrote:
>         Could someone give me a quick summary for soldering
>ground leads to crystal cans?  I've read KI6WX's article at:
>http://home.pacbell.net/johngreb/Mod_To_Improve_K2_CW_Filter_Rejection.pdf
>but have a few questions.
>
>1.  What size tip at 700 degrees is best for this?
>2.  How long do you apply heat? (he says a "few seconds")
>3.  Any cautions about damaging the insides?
>4.  He recommends soldering at .25-.50 of the distance from
>bottom to top on both of the can's narrow sides.  If I want to
>solder to both WIDE sides, are there any other issues to be
>concerned with?  I plan to solder ~.25 up the wide sides.
>5.  Any other issues with soldering SMT capacitors besides
>what he has in his paper?
>
>The filter I am making is not for a K2 and will have the crystal
>cans in-line rather than parallel but I believe your experience
>with soldering cans for the K2 should apply.  Please reply direct
>if you don't feel others would be interested.
>
>                                 73,  Bill  W4ZV
>
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