[Elecraft] Reflector name change?

[Don Brown]

Hi

Yes soldering and desoldering is discussed a lot on the reflector as are =
several other subjects that repeatedly come up (tuning knob, BPL, =
antenna theory etc.). However poor soldering is the number one reason a =
builder has problems with his K2. Many of the Elecraft products I have =
repaired had poor soldering problems and I would bet Gary (the Elecraft =
repair guru) would agree.=20

There are new builders starting their K2 all the time and have the same =
questions about the type of solder and the soldering equipment to use. =
The reason the reflector exists is to allow the builders with more =
experience to help the newbie's and to pass on information or new =
techniques.=20

Some of us do get a little carried away with the expensive equipment =
recommendations. $100+ soldering stations and expensive power =
desoldering systems are just not in everyone's budget. These tools are =
great and I would not build without them but there is no reason an =
Elecraft kit cannot be built with a simple soldering iron as long as the =
limitations on the tool is recognized. Most of them get too hot for PC =
board work because they are not regulated. A lamp dimmer or variac can =
be added to lower the heat to a more appropriate level for the PC board. =
The tips are not usually not plated so more attention to tip dressing =
and tinning is necessary. The temperature regulated soldering stations =
make the job easier and more consistent if you can justify the expense.=20

At any rate I would hope any questions from a new builder about =
soldering or anything else about building his K2 would be happily =
answered even if it old hat to the rest of us and been answered 20 times =
before.


Don Brown
KD5NDB


  ----- Original Message -----=20
  From: Allen Ward<mailto:allencward@mail.ev1.net>=20
  To: elecraft reflector<mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>=20
  Sent: Monday, March 29, 2004 6:56 AM
  Subject: [Elecraft] Reflector name change?


  I propose that the name of this reflector be changed to =
"Solder/soldering
  reflector."  Since there seems to be more on these topics than =
anything else
  it would seem a good idea.  Having spent a lot of the last (more than =
50)
  years soldering and desoldering with many types and brands of solder =
and
  soldering/desoldering equipment I believe the topic long ago reached
  "overkill" in the present reflector!  Eutectic is a concept that is =
also
  used in Geology and perhaps elsewhere.  There is nothing magical here =
it is
  simply the mix that gives the lowest melting point and the lowest =
freezing
  point  (this latter is often missed).  Good technique, good equipment  =
and
  quality solder coupled with slow careful work and examination of =
completed
  solder joints should be enough without this constant "over"discussion =
of
  solder and soldering/desoldering.
  Allen KA5N

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