[Elecraft] OT: Expedition soldering iron/station

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

I couldn't begin to tell you how many very delicate repairs I've done
replacing SMC's and other small parts on boards while sitting on the deck
plates of a ship using a "Port-A-Sol" butane iron. They come with very fine
tips. 

The trick, of course, is to have enough experience with the tool to use it
safely without damaging boards or parts. 

And, after slipping on the big honkin' tip, it's great for replacing a
coaxial connector high on a mast in the driving rain. But it sure gobbles up
gas quickly doing that. 

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
I am getting some tool together for an upcoming DXpedition, and the issue of
a decent soldering iron came to mind. Where we will be operating from has
220v, so my regular station will not be suitable by itself. As I see it,
there are 4 possible options.

1 - Look for 220v iron
2 - Get a 12v iron to run off one of the 12v supplies. Weller makes a 2v
version of their iron, but $110. is a bit steep for a couple of weeks. 3 -
Bring a 12vdc to 110vac inverter and run one of our existing stations. 4 -
220v to 110v transformer

I realize one can get butane irons, but while that would be fine for outdoor
antenna work, I would want to use one for fine work.

Any other suggestions?


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cheers, Paul - VA7NT - email: va7nt at telus.net