Rob,
The solder available at Radio Shack is of a larger diameter than I like
to use. While the solder is OK, the large diameter means that once it
melts, you already have too much solder on the connection. I recommend
a solder diameter of 0.020 inches or smaller (I personally use 0.015 for
thru hole work and 0.010 for SMD work). For construction of the KX1 or
other densely packaged kits, I highly recommend a small diameter solder
so you can easily control the amount fed to the connection.
While there is nothing wrong with the standard 60/40 alloy, you will
find the eutectic 63/37 alloy a bit better since it has no plastic state
and cold solder joints are practically non-existent when it is used.
As for flux, most any kind of mildly-activated rosin core flux will do fine.
Mouser carries Kester solder and I like the Kester 285 for all-around
electronics use. Look at Mouser PN 533-24-6337-6422 .015 dia. or
533-24-6337-6401 .020 dia.
Stay away from the water soluble flux (corrosive unless removed by
industrial methods) and the lead free solders - lead free solders
require a higher melting temperature and are extremely difficult to
remove if component removal becomes necessary.
I have not used the RS soldering station, so I cannot comment.
73,
Don W3FPR
Rob Lundahl wrote:
Are any of the Radio Shack solder types acceptable for a KX1 build?
Also any opinions on their digital solder station 64-009?
Thanks in advance.
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