Two questions: ESD & Solder issue w/ PC Board

[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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[Tony Estep]

On Thu, Jul 21, 2011 at 11:12 AM, David Dietrich <[hidden email]>wrote:

> ...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



--
http://www.isb.edu/faculty/facultydir.aspx?ddlFaculty=352
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[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 <[hidden email]>
Subject: [Elecraft] Two questions: ESD & Solder issue w/ PC Board
To: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
Message-ID:
         <[hidden email]>
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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EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep [hidden email]
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