[Elecraft] K3 - SMT mods

[David Ferrington, M0XDF]

Has anyone in the UK come across similar items as those on this page (http://www.zianet.com/erg/SMT_Soldering.html)?

I need to make the K3 mods and was wondering if an investment in a  
heat gun would be worthwhile (it's not like SMT is going to go away!).
73 de M0XDF, K3 #174
-- 
A good cook is like a sorceress who dispenses happiness.
-Elsa Schiaparelli, fashion designer (1890-1973)

On 21 Jun 2008, at 20:23, Brian Lloyd wrote:

>> I've watched a good training video for working with SMTs but my  
>> concern is with the board and not with the process.  Even after  
>> nearly 48 years of kit-building including two all-up K2/100s, I'm  
>> still intimidated by the thought of those danged SMTs and can't  
>> decide whether or not I want to take 'em on.
>
> Soldering SMT is easier than soldering through-hole. I have now done  
> several SMT boards and I love it. I have even taught the kids at  
> school (we are building several softrock boards) and they like it  
> better too. (We are talking 11-year-olds here.) We have used both  
> the hot-air and "bake it in a toaster oven" techniques to solder the  
> boards. No problem either way.
>
> You will want a good magnifier with plenty of light, tweezers,  
> solder paste, and either a hot-air gun or a toaster oven. Apply the  
> paste with a syringe. Pre-loaded syringes are available from Cash  
> Olson. Here is his web site with materials and techniques:
>
> http://www.zianet.com/erg/SMT_Soldering.html
>
> I did try soldering the devices using a fine-tip soldering iron. It  
> is *<MUCH>* more difficult than using solder paste with hot air or a  
> toaster oven.
>
> (You use a toaster oven because it will heat up faster than a  
> regular oven. You preheat the board to about 90C and then crank it  
> up to about 250C and watch for the solder paste to turn to solder  
> and flow out.)