[Elecraft] K3 - SMT mods

[David Cutter]

One thing I haven't heard mention so far:  I believe these boards are made 
to the latest ROHS, therefore lead-free solder is used, therefore the 
de-soldering temperature is higher than some irons might be capable of.  At 
my place of work we had to replace all our irons with higher temperature 
spec versions and we use 385C for manual soldering.  Can't remember what the 
de-solderer uses.  For the odd job you have to do, it might not matter very 
much or might seem slow.  That could be a bad thing because you don't want 
the iron to linger on the joint for longer than is necessary, this can lead 
to track-lifting.

As far as amateurs are concerned, replacing with a new part does not need 
the same solder as the manufacturer used.  You can use your regular solder 
or paste as before at the temperature you used to use.

David
G3UNA