[Elecraft] KX1 - S/N 2543 Received and ready for build

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

" Bottom line...if your tip fits between the components  use it, keep it 
clean, use the correct solder, and watch that temperature."

To clarify Stan's comment, probably more boards are ruined by an iron that's
too cool than an iron that's too hot. Cooking a trace too long while waiting
for solder to flow will more easily de-bond it from the board than too much
heat. 

I use 750 to 800F (375-425C) routinely.

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of stan levandowski
Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 3:01 PM
To: racekr at earthlink.net
Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX1 - S/N 2543 Received and ready for build




On Wed, Jun 15, 2011 at 4:41 PM, Kenneth Race wrote:
  can I install the power output mod while I am building the KX1 basic
>

YES.


> A number of years ago, I bought a XYtronics soldering station.  I've 
> had
> some minor difficulties getting replacement tips for the iron.  I 
> ordered
> and received several different sizes

Just use what you have + common sense.  The important thing is to keep 
the tip clean and to try to keep the heat around 750 F.  This is not 
rocket science.  I used to build and fly experimental airplanes.  Same 
thing -- a bunch of guys spending the weekend in the hangar trying to 
figure out whether to use a  wing bolt with a tensile strength of 
125,000 lbs or one with a break point of 137,000.  Meanwhile, the 
airplane weighed 1000 lbs and the wing was designed for 8G so it was 
going to break at 8000 lbs anyway!

Sorry for the diversion -- it's  really a lot of fun to build the 
Elecraft family -- I've built them all and use every one of them at 
least once a week.  The KX1 is a great little rig and I earned my KMPW 
award with it on 8 "AA" batteries, a 28 ft wire, and a lawn chair.

Bottom line...if your tip fits between the components  use it, keep it 
clean, use the correct solder, and watch that temperature.

Congratulations and good luck,

Stan WB2LQF
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