[Elecraft] K-2 kit has arrived.. Sockets?

[Don Wilhelm]

Sockets are not recommended except for those ICs that contain the firmware -
and Elecraft already provides sockets for those parts.
Sockets will increase the signal path length for critical RF circuits and
could modify the inductive and capacitive characteristics.

IC failure is rare, and it is improbable that one would have to change an IC
during the life of a K2.  If one should fail due to extraordinary causes, it
is easy to clip the pins and remove the part without damage to the PC board,
so I just don't understand why anyone would want to spend the money for
sockets on a perfectly good PC board - YMMV.

Should you choose to use sockets, I would suggest only the machine pin type
which will produce an air-tight seal.  Another point, use gold pin sockets
only for gold plated component leads - use the tin plated sockets for tin
plated leads - there is the possibility of galvanic corrosion due to
dissimilar metals.

73,
Don W3FPR


----- Original Message ----- 

> How do people feel about putting all the ICs in sockets in the K2.  Is
there
> room?
>