Ken, I have seen this happen when a soldering element does not properly control the temperature and the tip overheats.
If you are using good solder, and your temperature is correct, the tip should stay tinned for a good long while. OTOH, if the tip temperature is WAY too high, it will kill the tinning very quickly. If you have an adjustable temp soldering station, try turning the temperature lower and see if things improve. It is possible that your iron element has lost its ability to properly control temperature (or you had a bad one in the first place). Hint for better tip tinning life - do not wipe the tip when putting it away in the holder, but do wipe it when you remove it from the holder and are ready to melt solder. Leaving a bit of excess solder on the tip while storing it will help preserve the plating on the tip. Good luck with the 40a and the KX1 - you will want a small tip on your iron for the KX1 - I like a 3/64 inch chisel tip, some folks like a conical tip. 73, Don W3FPR > -----Original Message----- > > There has been alot of soldering how-to on the reflector. No > matter what I do my soldering station tip does not stay shiny. > It seems that I must retin it after every connection... What > could cause this? > > I have been building the Norcal 40a with David Rutledges "the > Electronics of Radio". Boy what a great learning experience. I > recommend the book and the kit for any ham serious ham... > > Now once I get this soldering tip matter cured, then I'm ready > to start the KX1 > > > 73 DE Ken K1UM > > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
