[Elecraft] Request Advice re K2 Build

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

The "kinks" were introduced by the manufacturer so the leads would drop
right into standard pc-board hole spacings by automated board stuffing
machines. The assembly manuals identify those caps where it is important to
have the shortest possible lead lengths. Otherwise there is not a lot to be
gained by straightening the leads and forcing the cap into place. 

73, Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Dauer,
Edward
Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2015 3:42 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Request Advice re K2 Build

If you¹ll forgive what to the experienced will be a silly question . . .

Building a K2.  Some of the capacitors (e.g. the 0.047) have leads that have
a ³kink² in each side, about 2 mm from the cap itself.  (The lead spacing is
correct above the kinks and correct again below them.)  If inserted gently
into the PCB the component stops at the kink.  But that leaves the leads too
long, I think, contrary to the principle that short leads avoid stray
couplings.  So, two other possibilities.  One is to ³dekink² the legs with
needle-nose pliers - straightening them out, allowing the body of the cap to
sit on the PCB surface.  The other is to pull the leads through the PCB
until the kinks snap through and come out the other side.  That sounds
neater, but it seems as if it¹s putting stress on the capacitor itself.
What¹s the best way to do this?  And why are those kinks there in the first
place?

Thanks,

Ted, KN1CBR