[Elecraft] K3 KBPF3 mod for LF questions capacitor size ?

[Don Wilhelm]

I can vouch for what Ed has said.  Much of the problem is with the fear 
of small parts.  If you have 'eye problems', a magnifying headband can 
be a great help.
Tweezers are a great tool, but be cautious with their use.  Too much 
grip on the part can send it flying to parts unknown where it becomes 
vacuum cleaner food.  A touch just light enough to secure the part is 
what you want.  I prefer straight tweezers while others prefer the 
angled type - it all depends on how you hold them to determine which is 
best for you.  If you naturally put the main body of the tweezers in 
your palm, then the angled ones will work best for you.  I leave the 
main body 'sticking up in the air', so straight tweezers work best for me.

The prior advice about tinning (putting a small pool of solder) on one 
end of the existing capacitor is correct.  Heat that solder while 
sliding the added capacitor atop the existing one - when it 'sticks', go 
solder the other end, and then come back and dress up the soldering on 
the first end.

I don't know about the calming effects of Whisky or tobacco for 
"mellowing", but if you have some technique for calming "the shakies", 
use it.

Age is doing its thing on me, and I am beginning to feel the effects of 
'tremors'.  I find I need to support the heels of my hands on the board 
or the bench surface to counter that problem.  Despite that, I am able 
to solder SMD components as small as 0603, and I am fortunate that my 
eyes allow me to do that part without magnification - I then inspect the 
work with magnification afterwards and make corrections as needed.  Use 
magnification at the start if you are not so fortunate.   If you need 
"Microscope" enlargement, then a webcam on your computer may be the 
answer to your problem - that is a 'cheap hams microscope'.

In other words, with these hints, give it a try.  I wish you success.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/7/2015 8:46 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:
> OK, brace your self, but I told you so (a few weeks ago) - not 
> specifically you, Emory.
>
> Surface mount work takes skill and calmness.  I compare it to the 
> process precision shooters use.  Breathing in/out and out half-way and 
> hold will calm nerves.  Mental thinking to calm yourself vs saying "do 
> not shake" is some of the zen stuff that works. Resting the heel of 
> your hand on something helps holding still. Whisky or some of that 
> tobaccy that will mellow you...but you might get munchies so caveat 
> emptor!  (legal in only three states)
>
> Bees wax or putty with a toothpick are beginners methods. 
> Professionals get a fine jeweler's tweezer to hold sm.  Use what works 
> for you.
>