[Elecraft] Bad KPA100 PCB?

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Gerhard wrote:
I mostly use 300-330 without problem.) It still takes a bit longer to solder
but the hole fills smoothly.

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Gerhard, using too low of a temperature is more likely to harm delicate
components than using a higher temperature.

You do not want to hold an iron on the joint too long, even at 300C. It
should be hot enough for the solder to flow within 2 or 3 seconds at the
most. So cranking up the temperature close to 400C and getting the solder to
flow quickly is easier on most parts - especially the I.C.s, transistors and
diodes.

I normally work at 375C (700F). 

That brings up another point for anyone using de-soldering braid. In that
case 375C (700F) is not hot enough. The braid will pull too much heat away
from the joint, meaning the joint has to "cook" for a long time to melt the
solder. Like most of us, I prefer a solder sucker type of tool,  but when I
choose braid, I find no problem getting it to work with the iron at 425C
(800F). "Cooking" a joint with a cooler iron will more likely debond the
trace from the board! 

Ron AC7AC