[analog97]

Hi.  I just received a Cornet2 and await all ordered parts, with the capacitor upgrade as recommended.  I have a little experience soldering and am basically a DIY type, but I really want the benefit of some experience to answer a few basic questions.   Any help is greatly appreciated!!

1. solder- it seems to me that a basic Radio Shack 60/40 or 63/37, .05" would be fine.  Correct?  Recommendations, please.
2. in my reading, the resistors need to be soldered above the board since they generate heat.  Is this critical?
3. should the heat sink be used for each and every solder joint for resistors, caps and diodes?  Which parts are critical in the Cornet2 board?

I am hoping there might be a little help out there if I run into a snag or two from the experienced builders out there.       Thanks so very much.

[ScottMayo]

Practice soldering on scrap wire until it feels comfortable. Any Radio Shack solder will be fine.

Use a heat sink on the diodes and if the caps are expensive, on those too, just to be safe. Resistors can generally take the heat and the sink might get in the way, but a sink won't do any harm.

Put components where the instructions indicate - above, below, whereever. Sometimes there are noise reasons for where things go and you won't want to mess with that. That said, yes, components usually go on top of the board and heat dissipation is one reason.

http://www.epemag.wimborne.co.uk/solderfaq.htm

[gonefishin]

To add onto what Scott had said...


   I don't know what type of solderin iron or station that you have...but I couldn't express how happy I am with getting a decent soldering station.  It's not one of the super high dollar stations...but it's a decent adjustable temp Weller station.  It actually makes soldering and kit building so much easier.

  If upgrading your soldering iron is something that you may do in the future.  Do it now if possible.  It will not only make soldering much easier, but it puts less seat (and stress) on the components and the board that your using.

   have fun!

  dan

[warnerwh]

Thanks for the beginners soldering link Scott.  Am getting ready to mod a Kenwood KT 5500 just for fun. Have a 7500 that Jim Rivers did for me that easily is the best sounding tuner I've ever owned. The 5500 will be a gift for a friend and I really don't want to ruin it as it's in very good condition.

[markC]

I agree with fishin; I too have a Weller adjustable temp. station and it makes soldering so much easier than the crappy rat shack model it replaced. I usually run the tip @ around 700*. I like Kester 44 solder. It flows nicely and doesn't leave behind all the gunk that rat shack solder does.

[analog97]

Just wanted to thank those of you who took the time to answer and help.