David, Sounds like you have set up well for ESD work. Winter low humidity conditions are more prone to static electricity. Try not to wear synthetic fabrics when working on sensitive stuff. Do you have a anti-static pad? I didn't see mention of one. They are added insurance when working with static-sensitive parts.
There a few things to ensure better soldering. One thing often overlooked about new pc boards it to prepare the surface by rubbing the surface with a plain eraser (such as used with a pencil). Also wiping off the surface with alcohol helps remove any surface contaminants like hand oils that interfere with solder flow. Also try to avoid handling the traces with your hands. When soldering do you use a moistened sponge for wiping the tip? keeping the tip tinned is important. Using the proper tip for the application helps (small chisel tips for surface mount components); larger tip for soldering to large metal parts. Adjust heat according to size of the item to be soldered. Clean items to be soldered (see above). I use an acid brush and alcohol (or electronic cleaner) on connector pins to promote solder flow. IN certain situations using a little flux makes a big difference (especially on large metal items). Perhaps others will think of something I overlooked. 73, Ed ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:12:50 -0700 (PDT) From: David Dietrich <kc9ehq2...@yahoo.com> Subject: [Elecraft] Two questions: ESD & Solder issue w/ PC Board To: "elecraft@mailman.qth.net" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Message-ID: <1311264770.12849.yahoomail...@web120521.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Hi Everyone! I have two questions that I would like to pose to the group about grounding and soldering PC boards: 1.? I know about ESD precautions, and I do take them.? I have a wrist strap, and my soldering iron is ESD safe.? I am working on my K2 in the basement.? I have pained concrete floors and walls.? I sit in a rolling chair that doesn't seem to have any static issues.? And, my work table is a painted wood bench.? As long as I wear my wrist strap, I should be OK due to the environment I am in, right?? I'd be more concerned if I was working in a carpeted room or the like.? Unless it is winter and I wear a sweater, I never have ESD problems down in the shack. 2.? Has anyone else had this happen to them...You go to solder your components onto the board, and the component or board doesn't want to take the solder immediately?? I had this problem with the 160 meter board yesterday.? I am using a Weller soldering station with a tip that looks to be in good order, Kester 60/40 solder, and proper technique.? Any ideas? 73 & Thanks, David KC9EHQ 73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 ====================================== BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@gmail.com ====================================== ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html