[TowerTalk] Portable soldering iron

[john at kk9a.com]

I have a small propane soldering iron and a Bernzomatic torch with a large
clip on soldering tip but I really prefer an electric soldering iron. The
small propane's tip and little mass and they all have some flame coming out
of the sides that can cause damage if you're not careful. They are not easy
to set down on the tower either while burning. I noticed that Milwaukee
makes an inverter for their tool battery packs but Makita does not.  I have
a lot of Makita batteries, I have seen a few aftermarket Makita battery
inverters but have yet to purchase one.  If in the field does not mean up
the tower I would use a generator or drive a vehicle with an inverter into
the area.

John KK9A



k7lxc wrote:

I have a number of small connectors in the antenna field that require
soldering. These are CinchJones connectors and the wire size being soldered
is #18. No electrical services in the area so I need to purchase either a
butane or Lithium battery solution.  Anyone have experiences with either
option? Reviews on various types show mixed results. The temp specs on
butane look really hot, perhaps too hot for small plastic connectors. The
lithium pencils are reportedly too cold for all but the smallest (mass)
connectors. Thoughts from the masses? Dennis, K7FL