[Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod

[Mike S]

At 09:48 AM 8/21/2008, Jim Denneny wrote...
>I am about to attempt the N8LP K3 Buffer Mod for improved RX 
>performance.  It involves exchanging two, extremely small, 
>surface-mount resistors.

Chip-quick ( 
http://www.chipquikinc.com/newsletters/cq_new_june_2004.htm ) is great 
for doing SMT rework. It's a low melting temperature alloy, which you 
use like solder. It mixes with the existing solder to make device 
removal easy. It doesn't take much.

Without a rework station, it's about the only thing you can use for 
larger devices.

If you were experienced in working with SMT, then it might be overkill 
for replacing just a resistor. But even if you've done SMT before, 
there's still the danger of lifting a pad when using just a soldering 
iron.

Good stuff if you want to do it yourself with minimal risk to an 
expensive board.

For soldering the new component, I just make sure the pads are lightly 
tinned, hold the component in place with a toothpick, and lightly touch 
each joint with the iron.