[Elecraft] K3 mods and methods: smt resistor/capacitor de-soldering

[Ian White GM3SEK]

David Windisch wrote:
>
>It's a process, it's easier than you think, and there is plenty of room 
>for creativity.  I don't pretend to know it all; this works for me.
>
>BASICS:
>
>Light up the work area.
>
>Get comfortable seating.
>
>Buy a pull-down magnifier.  Don't skimp here.  I use OPTI-VISOR, 3X 
>lenses. Buy 2 of the physically-smallest low-power soldering pencils. 
>Buy a *large* decorative clothes pin. Buy various-length, 
>variously-shaped stainless tweezers.
>
>Attach the pencils to the clothes pin.  Hose-clamps? Shim the jaws open 
>so the pencil-tips get proper spacing to (just) clear the device, or a 
>skosh less to grab it.
>
>OPTIONAL: Take a dose of your favorite relaxation agent <grin>.
>
>Take your time.  Practice on junk boards: heat, tweeze, pluck.
>
>Now you can remove any smt you can get this contraption on to.
>
>Ymmv.  No pics available.  I'm omitting the green stuff and presenting 
>only basics.  Real tools cost BIG bucks.
>
I strongly agree about the lighting [1] and magnification - and for 
serious SMD work, stay off the espresso!

But it really isn't necessary to use a double soldering pen to remove a 
bitty 0603 chip. It goes like this:

Use a normal solder pen with a small pointed tip.

1. Melt solder at left-hand end of chip.

2. Switch to right-hand end, melt solder there.

3. Back to left.

4. Ri...   Oh, it already came off.  Wasn't that easy?



[1] For lighting, get one of these - it's brilliant!

USA: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50128713

UK: http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/50128708


More info here:
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek/in-prac/best-of.htm#0809


-- 

73 from Ian GM3SEK         'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek