[Elecraft] heat and wicking

[W3FPR - Don Wilhelm]

Alan,

Modern components will handle normal heat of soldering for a short period of
time - up to 5 seconds at 750 degrees F.  The reality is that it takes both
time and temperature to destroy a component, and more components are damaged
by 'heat soaking' at a low soldering temperature than are damaged by too
heat that is too high.  One should be able to achieve a properly soldered
connection in 3 seconds or less.

Set your soldering temperature to somewhere between 700 and 750 degrees F,
and heat the pad as well as the component lead by placing the iron tip in
contact with both.  If you have the temperature correct, you should achieve
a properly soldered connection within about 3 seconds.  If you are unable to
achieve that, take a stern look at your soldering technique.  Be certain
that the soldering tip is clean (and has just a bit of molten solder on it
to conduct heat to both mating parts), then feed solder in from the side
opposite the iron position - it should flow nicely within a second or two.
If it fails to do so, exmine your temperature and technique carefully.

I prefer to feed enough solder to create a very small fillet on the solder
side of the board.  Although some folks may say it is unnecessary and
'overkill', it does give me the assurnace that a complete solder connection
is present at any particular point.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
> Hi,
>
> I am wondering about heat, I am using the mid-range you suggest
> of 750F for my
> soldering station.
>
> It is hard to get the solder to wick straight through to the
> other side of the
> board.
>
> I know there is a connection through the hole.
>
> In your notes, I don't see any suggestions on how much to heat a
> component.
> ie: the rapidity of moving from one pin to the next of the component.
>
> When soldering, of course I understand that you heat the metal of
> both pieces
> and apply the solder to the metal being soldered.
>
> Do I have to be that anal with this kit to make sure they all wick to the
> other side?
>
> In my mind, I risk damaging something along the way.
>
> 73
> --
> Cheers,
> Alan
>