[Elecraft] Two questions: ESD Solder issue w/ PC Board

2011-07-22 Thread Edward R. Cole 
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
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[Elecraft] Two questions: ESD Solder issue w/ PC Board

2011-07-21 Thread David Dietrich 
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
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Re: [Elecraft] Two questions: ESD Solder issue w/ PC Board

2011-07-21 Thread Tony Estep 
On Thu, Jul 21, 2011 at 11:12 AM, David Dietrich kc9ehq2...@yahoo.comwrote:

 ...You go to solder your components onto the board, and the component or
 board doesn't want to take the solder immediately?...

=
David, there is a wealth of info on this and other building topics included
in the Softrock build instructions at:

 http://www.wb5rvz.com/sdr/sr_lite_ii/#buildnotes


The immediate answer to your soldering question is to apply flux to the
joint before soldering. You can get it in semi-solid form and apply with a
toothpick, or in a flux pen, or in a liquid that can be shot onto the joint
with a bottle that has a metal needle-like applicator. I like the bottle,
but they all work. The WB5RVZ instructions include links to a number of
videos and other tutorial sites that are very informative and helpful when
gearing up for a daunting building project.

73,
Tony KT0NY



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