[Elecraft] Repairing Circuit Boards - sort of OT

[Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy]

Pete,

I have not seen a K103 board but when working on a board assembly, most of 
my homebrewed ones are populated by SMDs, I always add "legs" to both sides 
of the board.  These "legs" are made from metal spacers - the type which has 
a threaded insert at one end and a "screw" at the other end.  If necessary 
one leg can be clamped in a small vise to stop any skittering.  The legs are 
attached to the board using those holes which are to be used for mounting 
the board, and at least one leg will make good contact with the board's 
groundplane(s).

This method prevents the board (or its components) from rubbing on the work 
surface, and one does not have to touch the board if it has to be turned 
over during assembly/ repair.

73,

Geoff
GM4ESD


On July 19, 2011 at 11:28 Z, Pete Smith N4ZR wrote:



>I recently repaired a KIO3 board, replacing U1 to restore serial port
> operation.  It worked, but in the course of doing the job it was
> annoying to contend with the circuit board skittering across my work
> surface.  Now I have another KIO3 to repair, and I'd like to avoid the
> hassle.  What do you folks use to hold a circuit board in place flat on
> your work surface?
>
> -- 
> 73, Pete N4ZR