[UK-CONTEST] Cleaning flux off PCBs

[Bob Henderson]

Chris,

If Yvonne uses nail varnish remover, it might prove useful.

I'm fascinated at the thought of trying an assortment of ICs as
replacements.  What a wonderfully random feel that has ;>)

Wouldn't it be easier to wait until tomorrow to obtain an appropriate one?

73

Bob, 5B4AGN


----- Original Message -----
From: "Ian White G/GM3SEK" <gm3sek at ifwtech.co.uk>
To: <uk-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, November 06, 2005 7:33 PM
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Cleaning flux off PCBs


> G3SJJ wrote:
> >Hi all, I am just in the process of changing the Source Driver chip in my
> >Topten Band Decoder. I've got the old 18 pin chip out and about to
install a
> >I.C. carrier so I can try various chips. There is a fair bit of flux
around.
> >What is the best cleaner to use?
>
> Do you mean "What is the best I can buy?" or "What is the best thing I'm
> likely to have in the house on a Sunday evening?"
>
> For the former, I like Electrolube 'Ultrasolve'. You can get it from
> most of the big suppliers (see my 'In Practice' web page for contact
> details). I particularly like the aerosol can which dispenses the
> solvent through a stiff brush head (go to http://uk.farnell.com and
> search for product code 725651) though you can obviously use an old
> toothbrush instead.
>
> Cue Dave YMC, who will no doubt have his own favourite to recommend.
>
> It always helps to chip off as much flux as you can, so the solvent has
> less to do. The big mistake is using too little, which only spreads the
> flux around, and then evaporates leaving the whole board sticky. If you
> have only been working on one small area, tilt the board so the
> dissolved flux takes the best possible path off the edge. The best path
> is usually the shortest, but not always.
>
> If the question was "What's in the bathroom cabinet or under the kitchen
> sink?" try isopropyl alcohol, rubbing alcohol or meths. All of these
> household solvents may contain water, and may leave residues on the
> board, so go over the board again later with a proper solvent.
>
>
>
> --
> 73 from Ian GM3SEK         'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)
> http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek
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