[Elecraft] K2 build question

[Michael Harvey]

I can agree with that, Don, but rarely have I seen anyone clean the component side of the board. Since the crystals are on that side, and they were described as being soldered prior to installation, I saw no harm in recommending cleaning the flux off. I don't remember any relays located around the crystals. Just a torid that it may effect if excessive alcohol is used.> Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:14:37 -0400> From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com> To: michael_28641 at msn.com> CC: elecraft at mailman.qth.net> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 build question> > Mike and all,> > Flux residue will do no harm except under quite unusual circumstances > and it is best left as-is. The greatest 'problem' is one of aesthetics.> Attempts to remove flux can result in damage to components - the cleaner > can get into relays, inductors and cause much more harm that. For that > reason, Elecraft strongly recommends that flux *not* be removed. If you > feel you must do flux removal, do not flood the board or even spray it. > Work in small areas at a time with Q-tips or something similar.> > If your solder has a mildly reactive flux, and you do not apply excess > solder, there is no need to remove any of the flux - the board will look > clean. I would suggest that if you have excessive flux residue on your > board, then you likely have too much solder applied as well. It would > be better to wick away the excess solder than to clean off the flux - > the excess solder can create solder bridges and can hide a connection > that did not receive enough heat.> > 73,> Don W3FPR> > Michael Harvey wrote:> > I second Don's comments but noticed he missed cleaning the crystal first with good Isoprohal alcohol (not that cheap Mad Dog 2020 either). Even the slightest oil from your fingers will make the task harder that it should be. Don't forget to clean of the remaining flux when your done! It makes the build look a lot better and flux will corrode over time. 73> > > > Mike> > AB0TX...._______________________________________________> > > >