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 [email protected] To: "Lowell White" [email protected]Cc: [email protected] 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
            [email protected]

                Disagree: I learn....

           Pulling for P3E...