Folks (especially new builders), Perhaps I should dust off my old adage here in the reflector:
First check the soldering, then re-check the soldering, and when you have completed that, check the soldering! Seriously, soldering failures is the most common cause of problems. Use an adequately hot soldering iron - 700 degrees to 800 degrees so you can 'melt solder' quickly and then get the heat away from the solder joint. I have worked on many kits where the solder has melted but only on either the pad or the component lead, but not both - this is a good indication of inadequate heat to the joint - be certain that both members receive adequate heat to flow the solder. Do not be afraid of the higher soldering temperatures, it takes both temperature and time combined to create a heat related failure, so use a high enough temperature to keep the time element to a minimum (2 to 3 seconds is ideal, 5 seconds is likely too long) and no damage will be done. 73, Don W3FPR > -----Original Message----- > ... > > I've been very careful with my solder joints, doing all my soldering > under the magnifier lamp and examining each joint afterwards. Still, > there were apparently some bad ones. Fortunately that is all that has > been an issue so far. The rest of the tests & alignment have all been > comfortably in spec the first time. Nice! > > ... _______________________________________________ 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
