[Elecraft] Socket IC's

[Jack Brindle]

Sigh...

On Jun 15, 2004, at 3:26 PM, Glenn Haffly wrote:

> Hello All , I have K1 1850 up and running and a K2 in the box to 
> assemble
> when time permits.
> When assembling the K1 several IC's were soldered directly to the RF 
> board.
> When I build the K2 , Is there a reason for not using an IC socket 
> soldered
> to the various
> boards rather than direct soldering an IC to the boards ? It seems 
> logical
> that for future
> upgrades and component replacements a socket would  make more sense. 
> Anyone
> building a K2 use IC sockets ?

Yes. Several very good ones.
1) Sockets are mechanical devices and will fail over time mostly due to 
oxidation.
2) Sockets add inductance and / or capacitance to the circuits into 
which they are inserted, disturbing ICs which involve tuned circuits. 
This can lead to an inability to tune various parts of the radio.
3) Sockets add height to the ICs. Space inside the K2 is at a premium, 
especially vertical height. Many of the modifications and options make 
use of this vertical space. Socketing ICs may very well limit your 
ability to add these options or modifications.

The ICs which would be changed for upgrades is pretty much limited to 
the microcontrollers. These are socketed to allow their replacement 
when upgrades are issued. Don't socket the other ICs unless you really 
want to regret it or are VERY handy with a desoldering tool...