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solder iron correct temp in C for K3

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Smith Bradford

solder iron correct temp in C for K3

I have a new solder iron that is temperature
controlled in degrees C.
What temp should I set the iron for work on the
K3? I am using 60/40
rosin core, small diameter solder. While using
solder wick to clean out
the holes from the 12 dc mod kit I used 300c and
dipped the wick in
solder flux. I pulled the solder wick across the
land when the solder
was liquid, it cleaned the holes on the first pass.

Smith Bradford
W9HAK

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

Smith,

I suggest you increase the iron temperature to 400 degC (750 degF).

The other suggestion I can offer is to use 63/37 allow solder (eutectic)
with a mildly reactive flux (such as Kester 287). Save the large
diameter Kester 44 (highly reactive flux) for antenna work and other
jobs where there may be a substantial amount of oxidation on the leads

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/26/2012 7:26 PM, W9HAK wrote:

> I have a new solder iron that is temperature
> controlled in degrees C.
> What temp should I set the iron for work on the
> K3? I am using 60/40
> rosin core, small diameter solder. While using
> solder wick to clean out
> the holes from the 12 dc mod kit I used 300c and
> dipped the wick in
> solder flux. I pulled the solder wick across the
> land when the solder
> was liquid, it cleaned the holes on the first pass.
>
> Smith Bradford
> W9HAK
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
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ve3dvy

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

In reply to this post by Smith Bradford

I usually go between 370C and 400C or about (700F-750F) for most jobs.
Setting your iron to low will mean that it will take longer for the
solder to melt and giving more time for the heat to travel into the
component and possible damage. when working on boat-anchors with
point to point wiring, I go a little hotter when desoldering. but for
the K3 375C (700F) will be fine. personally I prefer 63/37 solder it
has a much shorter plastic temperature range where the solder is more
like a slush and will make cold joints.

Davd Moes
VE3DVY

I On 4/26/2012 7:26 PM, W9HAK wrote:

k6dgw

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

In reply to this post by Smith Bradford

On 4/26/2012 4:26 PM, W9HAK wrote:
> I have a new solder iron that is temperature controlled in degrees
> C. What temp should I set the iron for work on the K3? I am using
> 60/40 rosin core, small diameter solder. While using solder wick to
> clean out the holes from the 12 dc mod kit I used 300c and dipped the
> wick in solder flux. I pulled the solder wick across the land when
> the solder was liquid, it cleaned the holes on the first pass.

F = 32 + (9 * C) / 5
C = [(F-32) * 5] / 9

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012
- www.cqp.org

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

Actually, the conversion is easier to remember than those two formulas.
The two scales coincide at -40 degrees.
So for the conversion (either way) first add 40.
Then if the conversion is from Centigrade to Fahrenheit multiply by 9/5
(you will be going to a greater number), but if the conversion is from
Fahrenheit to Celcius, multiply by 5/9 (because the result will be a
smaller number). Finally, subtract 40 to get your result.

The skeptical may try several passes with their remembering when to add
or subtract 32 degrees, but this formula always works.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/26/2012 10:10 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:

> On 4/26/2012 4:26 PM, W9HAK wrote:
>> I have a new solder iron that is temperature controlled in degrees
>> C. What temp should I set the iron for work on the K3? I am using
>> 60/40 rosin core, small diameter solder. While using solder wick to
>> clean out the holes from the 12 dc mod kit I used 300c and dipped the
>> wick in solder flux. I pulled the solder wick across the land when
>> the solder was liquid, it cleaned the holes on the first pass.
> F = 32 + (9 * C) / 5
> C = [(F-32) * 5] / 9
>
> 73,
>
> Fred K6DGW
> - Northern California Contest Club
> - CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012
> - www.cqp.org
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
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R Thompson

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

In reply to this post by Smith Bradford

Gary K9GS

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

Or, in google just type something like: 750F to C

Works for all kinds of different units of measure.

On 4/26/2012 10:59 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Actually, the conversion is easier to remember than those two formulas.
> The two scales coincide at -40 degrees.
> So for the conversion (either way) first add 40.
> Then if the conversion is from Centigrade to Fahrenheit multiply by 9/5
> (you will be going to a greater number), but if the conversion is from
> Fahrenheit to Celcius, multiply by 5/9 (because the result will be a
> smaller number). Finally, subtract 40 to get your result.
>
> The skeptical may try several passes with their remembering when to add
> or subtract 32 degrees, but this formula always works.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 4/26/2012 10:10 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:
>> On 4/26/2012 4:26 PM, W9HAK wrote:
>>> I have a new solder iron that is temperature controlled in degrees
>>> C. What temp should I set the iron for work on the K3? I am using
>>> 60/40 rosin core, small diameter solder. While using solder wick to
>>> clean out the holes from the 12 dc mod kit I used 300c and dipped the
>>> wick in solder flux. I pulled the solder wick across the land when
>>> the solder was liquid, it cleaned the holes on the first pass.
>> F = 32 + (9 * C) / 5
>> C = [(F-32) * 5] / 9
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Fred K6DGW
>> - Northern California Contest Club
>> - CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012
>> - www.cqp.org
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
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--

73,

Gary K9GS

Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org
Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com
CW Ops #1032 http://www.cwops.org

************************************************

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Matt Zilmer

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

Nice memory aid!

matt

On Thu, 26 Apr 2012 23:59:05 -0400, you wrote:

>Actually, the conversion is easier to remember than those two formulas.
>The two scales coincide at -40 degrees.
>So for the conversion (either way) first add 40.
>Then if the conversion is from Centigrade to Fahrenheit multiply by 9/5
>(you will be going to a greater number), but if the conversion is from
>Fahrenheit to Celcius, multiply by 5/9 (because the result will be a
>smaller number). Finally, subtract 40 to get your result.
>
>The skeptical may try several passes with their remembering when to add
>or subtract 32 degrees, but this formula always works.
>
>73,
>Don W3FPR
>
>On 4/26/2012 10:10 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:
>> On 4/26/2012 4:26 PM, W9HAK wrote:
>>> I have a new solder iron that is temperature controlled in degrees
>>> C. What temp should I set the iron for work on the K3? I am using
>>> 60/40 rosin core, small diameter solder. While using solder wick to
>>> clean out the holes from the 12 dc mod kit I used 300c and dipped the
>>> wick in solder flux. I pulled the solder wick across the land when
>>> the solder was liquid, it cleaned the holes on the first pass.
>> F = 32 + (9 * C) / 5
>> C = [(F-32) * 5] / 9
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Fred K6DGW
>> - Northern California Contest Club
>> - CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012
>> - www.cqp.org
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>______________________________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Bob-270

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

In reply to this post by Gary K9GS

I'm not fluent in metric and use this link all the time:

http://www.worldwidemetric.com/Measurements.html

73,
Bob
K2TK ex KN2TKR (1956) & K2TKR

On 4/27/2012 12:32 AM, Gary K9GS wrote:

> Or, in google just type something like: 750F to C
>
> Works for all kinds of different units of measure.
>
> On 4/26/2012 10:59 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> Actually, the conversion is easier to remember than those two formulas.
>> The two scales coincide at -40 degrees.
>> So for the conversion (either way) first add 40.
>> Then if the conversion is from Centigrade to Fahrenheit multiply by 9/5
>> (you will be going to a greater number), but if the conversion is from
>> Fahrenheit to Celcius, multiply by 5/9 (because the result will be a
>> smaller number). Finally, subtract 40 to get your result.
>>
>> The skeptical may try several passes with their remembering when to add
>> or subtract 32 degrees, but this formula always works.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> On 4/26/2012 10:10 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:
>>> On 4/26/2012 4:26 PM, W9HAK wrote:
>>>> I have a new solder iron that is temperature controlled in degrees
>>>> C. What temp should I set the iron for work on the K3? I am using
>>>> 60/40 rosin core, small diameter solder. While using solder wick to
>>>> clean out the holes from the 12 dc mod kit I used 300c and dipped the
>>>> wick in solder flux. I pulled the solder wick across the land when
>>>> the solder was liquid, it cleaned the holes on the first pass.
>>> F = 32 + (9 * C) / 5
>>> C = [(F-32) * 5] / 9
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> Fred K6DGW
>>> - Northern California Contest Club
>>> - CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012
>>> - www.cqp.org
>>>
>>>

M0XDF

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

Or of course, use a converter program on your smart phone!!!
;-)

73 de David, M0XDF

On 27 Apr 2012, at 04:59, Don Wilhelm wrote:

KU7Y

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

I just push the switch on my Weller and watch it change from F to C.

I love simple..... Hehehehehe

OK, back in my hole,

Ron, KU7Y
SOWP 5545M
Arizona Outlaws Contest Club
Brenda, AZ (Winter)
Caldwell, ID (Summer)
[hidden email]
http://www.hatpinsandmore.com
KX3 #0062
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MontyS

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

In reply to this post by Smith Bradford

Another trick, you can do C->F in your head:

Double the centigrade temperature, subtract 10% from the product, and add 32 to get Fahrenheit.
10 degrees C = (2*10-2) + 32 = 50 degrees F

F->C is not so slick, but works:
Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature, add 11% of the result to itself and divide by 2
50 degrees F =((50-32) + 1.98)/2 = 10 degrees C.

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ke9uw

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

In reply to this post by Matt Zilmer

I've always liked this one because it demonstrates a real understanding, that there are 1.8 F deg in one C deg. And you can deal with the endpoints from either conversion direction.
Chuck, KE9UW
aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles

Chuck, KE9UW
aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles

________________________________________
From: [hidden email] [[hidden email]] on behalf of Matt Zilmer [[hidden email]]
Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2012 11:49 PM
To: [hidden email]
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] solder iron correct temp in C for K3

Nice memory aid!

matt

On Thu, 26 Apr 2012 23:59:05 -0400, you wrote:

Chuck, KE9UW

David O'Leary

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

In reply to this post by Smith Bradford

On 4/27/2012 6:55 AM, [hidden email] wrote:
> Re: [Elecraft] solder iron correct temp in C for K3

I try to minimize the number of formulas I need to remember.
This one has served me well
1.8C=F-32
Replace the known value, and solve for the unknown.

Or if you only need to be "close enough for government work", you can do
it in your head and use 2 instead of 1.8, and use a bit of Kentucky
windage to reduce the result a smidge.

--

*David O'Leary*
AC2GB

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N5GE-2

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

In reply to this post by ke9uw

What do all these metric conversion posts have to do with the OP's question?

He asked what the temperature of his iron should be to solder K3 boards and
received the CORRECT ANSWER almost immediately.

Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
ARRL Lifetime Member
QCWA Lifetime Member

On Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:47:23 +0000, "hawley, charles j jr"
<[hidden email]> wrote:

>I've always liked this one because it demonstrates a real understanding, that there are 1.8 F deg in one C deg. And you can deal with the endpoints from either conversion direction.
>Chuck, KE9UW
>aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles
>
>Chuck, KE9UW
>aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles
>
>________________________________________
>From: [hidden email] [[hidden email]] on behalf of Matt Zilmer [[hidden email]]
>Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2012 11:49 PM
>To: [hidden email]
>Cc: Elecraft Reflector
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] solder iron correct temp in C for K3
>
>Nice memory aid!
>
>matt
>
>On Thu, 26 Apr 2012 23:59:05 -0400, you wrote:
>
>>Actually, the conversion is easier to remember than those two formulas.
>>The two scales coincide at -40 degrees.
>>So for the conversion (either way) first add 40.
>>Then if the conversion is from Centigrade to Fahrenheit multiply by 9/5
>>(you will be going to a greater number), but if the conversion is from
>>Fahrenheit to Celcius, multiply by 5/9 (because the result will be a
>>smaller number). Finally, subtract 40 to get your result.
>>
>>The skeptical may try several passes with their remembering when to add
>>or subtract 32 degrees, but this formula always works.
>>
>>73,
>>Don W3FPR
>>
>>On 4/26/2012 10:10 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:
>>> On 4/26/2012 4:26 PM, W9HAK wrote:
>>>> I have a new solder iron that is temperature controlled in degrees
>>>> C. What temp should I set the iron for work on the K3? I am using
>>>> 60/40 rosin core, small diameter solder. While using solder wick to
>>>> clean out the holes from the 12 dc mod kit I used 300c and dipped the
>>>> wick in solder flux. I pulled the solder wick across the land when
>>>> the solder was liquid, it cleaned the holes on the first pass.
>>> F = 32 + (9 * C) / 5
>>> C = [(F-32) * 5] / 9
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> Fred K6DGW
>>> - Northern California Contest Club
>>> - CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012
>>> - www.cqp.org
>______________________________________________________________
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>
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Terry Schieler

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

In reply to this post by MontyS

Pretty cool trick, Monty. But I'll stick with just touching the tip of the iron to my tongue. Much less painful than doin' the math! ;o)

Terry, W0FM

-----Original Message-----
From: Monty Shultes [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2012 5:55 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] solder iron correct temp in C for K3

Another trick, you can do C->F in your head:

Double the centigrade temperature, subtract 10% from the product, and add 32 to get Fahrenheit.
10 degrees C = (2*10-2) + 32 = 50 degrees F

F->C is not so slick, but works:
Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature, add 11% of the result to itself and divide by 2
50 degrees F =((50-32) + 1.98)/2 = 10 degrees C.

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Bill K9YEQ

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

How simple. It goes into my desktop reference. Thanks, Don!

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2012 10:59 PM
To: [hidden email]
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] solder iron correct temp in C for K3

Actually, the conversion is easier to remember than those two formulas.
The two scales coincide at -40 degrees.
So for the conversion (either way) first add 40.
Then if the conversion is from Centigrade to Fahrenheit multiply by 9/5 (you
will be going to a greater number), but if the conversion is from Fahrenheit
to Celcius, multiply by 5/9 (because the result will be a smaller number).
Finally, subtract 40 to get your result.

The skeptical may try several passes with their remembering when to add or
subtract 32 degrees, but this formula always works.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/26/2012 10:10 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:

> On 4/26/2012 4:26 PM, W9HAK wrote:
>> I have a new solder iron that is temperature controlled in degrees C.
>> What temp should I set the iron for work on the K3? I am using
>> 60/40 rosin core, small diameter solder. While using solder wick to
>> clean out the holes from the 12 dc mod kit I used 300c and dipped the
>> wick in solder flux. I pulled the solder wick across the land when
>> the solder was liquid, it cleaned the holes on the first pass.
> F = 32 + (9 * C) / 5
> C = [(F-32) * 5] / 9
>
> 73,
>
> Fred K6DGW
> - Northern California Contest Club
> - CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012
> - www.cqp.org
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email
> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

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Bill K9YEQ

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

In reply to this post by Terry Schieler

:-) Funny!

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Terry Schieler
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2012 11:45 AM
To: 'Monty Shultes'
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] solder iron correct temp in C for K3

Pretty cool trick, Monty. But I'll stick with just touching the tip of the
iron to my tongue. Much less painful than doin' the math! ;o)

Terry, W0FM

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w8fn

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

In reply to this post by Smith Bradford

It won't work for SMD stuff, but over the years I've had great success
using a classic Ungar 27W cartridge (which I seem to remember was around
850°F) with a screw-ON 1/8" screwdriver tip for just about everything
but the heaviest jobs. This includes lots of building stuff with
standard through-hole DIP components. I never overcooked anything. The
beauty of a big hot iron is it lets you get in, heat the work and get
off quickly. Low wattage irons just cook the components and the board.
Nowadays, like everybody else, I use a very small iron that produces a
750°F tip temperature for the small parts and dense connector pins, but
I still use the old one for most everything else. It's the curse of the
OFs: our eyesight continually gets worse as the parts continually get
smaller.

73...
Randy, W8FN

On 04/26/2012 18:26, W9HAK wrote:

Tim Herrick

Re: solder iron correct temp in C for K3

Randy,

I must make a comment about a couple of your statements.

One, we are age challenged not OF's. Come on got to be PC. Eh?

The other is the parts aren't actually getting smaller. We have to hold them
farther away cause of our glasses so they look smaller!

OK, it was all tongue in check. The blasted things are getting so darn small
even magnifying glasses don't work for this OF's eyes!

Tim Herrick, KQ8M
Charter Member North Coast Contesters
[hidden email]

AR-Cluster V6 kq8m.no-ip.org
User Ports: 23, 7373 with local skimmer, 7374 without local skimmer
Server Ports: V6 3607, V4 Active 3605, V4 Passive 3606

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Randy Farmer
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2012 2:15 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] solder iron correct temp in C for K3

It won't work for SMD stuff, but over the years I've had great success
using a classic Ungar 27W cartridge (which I seem to remember was around
850°F) with a screw-ON 1/8" screwdriver tip for just about everything
but the heaviest jobs. This includes lots of building stuff with
standard through-hole DIP components. I never overcooked anything. The
beauty of a big hot iron is it lets you get in, heat the work and get
off quickly. Low wattage irons just cook the components and the board.
Nowadays, like everybody else, I use a very small iron that produces a
750°F tip temperature for the small parts and dense connector pins, but
I still use the old one for most everything else. It's the curse of the
OFs: our eyesight continually gets worse as the parts continually get
smaller.

73...
Randy, W8FN

On 04/26/2012 18:26, W9HAK wrote: