[Elecraft] Need a little SMD help!

[Don Wilhelm]

Hank,

If you cannot get local help with it, I have successfully used the 
following technique to remove SMD ICs, and it should work with the diodes.

Push a length of enameled wire (largest gauge that will fit - usually 
#26 or #28) under the pin, grasp both ends of the wire, then heat the 
lead and solder pad while pulling on the wire.  Once the wire slips 
through, the lead will no longer be in contact with the pad - do 2 that 
way and the 3rd one is a snap.

73,
Don W3FPR

hank k8dd wrote:
> I need a little help with replacing the two SMD diodes in the VSWR circuit.  
> 
> K3 support has determined, after 4 days of emails, that they are bad - possibly from a 'nearby lightning strike' - and it's up to me to replace them with 2 new more robust diodes or pay for having them replaced if I send them the K3.  I guess the new robust parts are warranty, but replacing them isn't!
> 
> Elecraft is sending me the 2 new more robust diodes.   I do not have the equipment to remove the old ones and replace them, nor do I have the desire to work on anything smaller than a 1/8 watt resistor.
> 
> So ..... is there anyone within 50 miles or so of Lapeer, MI who can change these new diodes when I get them?    And if you don't have a K3, this would be a good chance to see one and try it out!
> 
> 73    Hank    K8DD