[Elecraft] solder / lamp

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Solder: any electronic solder (rosin core) is good. Kester is considered one
of the "top o' the line". Another I have is "Tech Spray". I'd avoid
lead-free solder - it requires more heat to make a good joint. I still use
good old 60/40.  Probably a bigger issue is to avoid really large diameter
solder because it's easy to get too much solder on a joint. My preference is
0.031" diameter for something like the K2 which doesn't involve installing
SMDs.

***Absolutely, positively avoid any of the solders with "water soluable"
flux. They *require* a special power washer to clean them after soldering.
If you don't, the solder will destroy circuit traces over time, rendering
your new rig useless. You do NOT need to clean rosin flux off of the boards.
It will do no harm unless you get the rig so hot it melts the solder on the
joints, at which time you'll have a lot of other more important concerns,
Hi! If you use a small diameter solder there won't be enough flux to bother
with in any case. 

A cheap magnifying lamp is probably a waste of money. Take a look at
OptiVisors. They aren't real expensive and excellent quality. I've used one
professionally and in the Hamshack since the 1980's.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?rlz=1C1GGGE_enUS455US456&q=optivisor&
um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=4650061789595259374&sa=X&ei=EIXhTqGPJqmyiQL3uLXgD
g&ved=0CJ4BEPMCMAE

There's a cheaper version that doesn't have the adjustment knob at the back
of the headband. Instead it uses a friction grip that I find constantly
comes loose. 

You'll want a DMM. Also some patience. It isn't hard, but there are a lot of
steps. 

Take your time!

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----


I ordered a K2 today. Can someone tell me a specific vendor and solder that
would be good to use. I was also wondering if anyone has a good idea for a
cheap magnifying lamp. I have the static mat and strap from my K1 build.
Anything else I might need?


73
Don
K4YND