I agree, the stated NASA "method" does amaze me.
First, the K2 is not likely to go a space journey.
Components with pre-cut leads may require 3 hands. One to hold the
component, one to hold the soldering iron and another to hold the solder.
I would assume that NASA directive was for wave-soldering boards and
does not apply to hand soldering.
I personally have a guideline which says "do not ever trim an unsoldered
lead" - watch as you trim and go back and solder it.
Of course, I am one who inserts multiple components before soldering.
I have never seen a failed solder connection in my work nor had any
reports of solder joint failure from those I have built the K2, K1, KX1
or XVseries transverters.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 3/25/2018 11:33 AM, James F. Boehner MD via Elecraft wrote:
Jerome,
Now this is interesting. This is totally opposite of the way most of us
were taught to solder. Among the kits I used to put together were Heathkit
and Ramsey, both of whom recommended securing the parts in place by
spreading the leads, soldering, and then cutting the wires close to the
solder blob, checking for shorts. I assume that goes for Elecraft also, but
I have not built any of their radios as kits, so not sure.
So how did NASA handle the potential difficulties? Did they have precut
parts? Did the tech have to place the part in the board and cut the leads
first? If the part was loose, how was it held close to the board, owing to
the fact that holding the solder and the iron took two hands? What if the
lead length was overestimated and potentially could cause a short? Could
the wire be cut and the joint reheated, or did the part have to be removed,
recut and reinserted?
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