Mike and all,
Flux residue will do no harm except under quite unusual circumstances
and it is best left as-is. The greatest 'problem' is one of aesthetics.
Attempts to remove flux can result in damage to components - the cleaner
can get into relays, inductors and cause much more harm that. For that
reason, Elecraft strongly recommends that flux *not* be removed. If you
feel you must do flux removal, do not flood the board or even spray it.
Work in small areas at a time with Q-tips or something similar.
If your solder has a mildly reactive flux, and you do not apply excess
solder, there is no need to remove any of the flux - the board will look
clean. I would suggest that if you have excessive flux residue on your
board, then you likely have too much solder applied as well. It would
be better to wick away the excess solder than to clean off the flux -
the excess solder can create solder bridges and can hide a connection
that did not receive enough heat.
73,
Don W3FPR
Michael Harvey wrote:
I second Don's comments but noticed he missed cleaning the crystal first with
good Isoprohal alcohol (not that cheap Mad Dog 2020 either). Even the slightest
oil from your fingers will make the task harder that it should be. Don't forget
to clean of the remaining flux when your done! It makes the build look a lot
better and flux will corrode over time. 73
Mike
AB0TX...._______________________________________________
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