Neat.
Any problems with switch isolation from the AC line? I may add your "hack" to a standard iron.
Thanks.
73, Lowell K9LDw
------ Original Message ------ Received: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 02:07:51 PM CDT From: Dave Guimont dguimon1@san.rr.com To: "Lowell White" whiteld@usa.netCc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: soldering iron recommendation
Good recommendations, Lowell.
I use fairly high wattage tips (on an iron, easier to handle) and switch a diode in and out for two reasons...I have two heat choices, and when switched on "low" it keeps the tip from "burning" as quickly, and yet "high" heat is almost immediately available...the switch case and diode holder is made from a short length of 1/2" PVC and two PVC caps...
You might find either a 'regular' or average sized soldering gun to be of
use,
or a 40W-50W iron, mainly depending on the size of wire / connector you
plan
to typically work on. Soldering guns typically will have a higher wattage rating and a larger surface contact area, lending them to better handle heating of, say, the shell of a PL-259. An iron is better suited for
smaller
or lower power (i.e. more sensitive to heat) applications. Various tips can
be
had on irons also to help suit them to the work to be done. The most
common
are round tips or chisel points.
73, Dave, WB6LLO dguimon1@san.rr.com Disagree: I learn.... Pulling for P3E...