[Elecraft] [K3] - mods and solder

[Vic K2VCO]

Alan Bloom wrote:

> Water-soluble flux is OK for electronic work only if it is washed off
> after the soldering job is complete.

It's very hard to wash off completely and is usually used for mechanized 
soldering. It's not recommended by Elecraft. If you don't wash it off 
completely, what's left absorbs moisture from the air and becomes 
conductive.

> Lead-free solder is all the rage now as it is required in Europe for
> environmental reasons.  However, standard tin-lead solder is easier to
> use (lower melting temperature) and cheaper so I recommend it for hobby
> use.  If you're worried about lead poisoning, wash your hands after use.

There are also issues with long-term stability of lead-free solder (it 
grows whiskers) and other problems.

-- 
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco