[Elecraft] Recent problems = another building tip

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Jeff WK6I wrote:
>One of the things I do to avoid this is count as I solder. I expect an 
>8-pin IC to have 8 pins to solder so I count them off as I do them. If 
>I stick 14 resistors in, ...

That's an excellent idea.

I do it during the inspection phase. 

First I use a magnifier strong enough that I can easily focus on only one
soldering pad at a time. My 4X Optivisor plus reading glasses underneath
provide that for me. It's important to have one pad at a time dominate your
field of vision. If they're enlarged enough, it's really hard to "miss" a
pad. 

I work my way around an I.C. socket, studying each soldering joint and
counting them off to be sure I've seen EVERY pad properly soldered and
trimmed. 

I never install more than ONE part at a time before soldering. That's just
my preference, but it lets me approach the pad with my soldering iron
without working around a "forest" of wires and parts don't tend to drift
loose from the board while I'm working. You'll notice that the later
Elecraft assembly manuals no longer advocate installing groups of parts.
That's entirely up to the builder.

The step-completed check goes in my manual only after I've installed a part,
checked its position (right holes?) and its value before soldering, then
completed soldering, trimming, inspecting the soldering and making a final
check of the part I.D. to be sure it's the right part in the right place.
Then, and only then, does the check go in the box in the book.

Sound like I hate "reworking" boards? You got it! Maybe I'm old-fashioned,
but I come from the measure twice, cut once school of building things. It
saves a lot of time and aggravation. 

Ron AC7AC