PAIA & kits - ametuer

[Scott Gravenhorst]

"Bill Layer" <b.layer at vikingelectronics.com> wrote:
>Hi Leon,
> 
>>My question is this:  b/c the soldering points are so close, I wonder if
>>anyone can describe to me what a good solder joint looks like.  This is
>>a lot more precise than wiring racks or making cables, and I just would
>>like to know if my joints are as clean as they should be.  Should the
>>solder point be a round bead?  Should the lead extend past the end of
>>the solder joint?  How much lead in general is good to have sticking out
>>the back of the PCB?  What are some common pitfalls?  Except where
>>noted, I am assuming that all the components should be basically flush
>>against the board.
>
>Not too flush against the board; if leads are too tight, thermal cycling
>may cause stress on the part. Best to leave 1/16 or so of lead.

Another reason not to flush mount the components (for me anyway) was to
facilitate making mods.  My resistors are elevated by about 1/8 inch.
This makes it easy to wrap a wire around the resitor lead and apply solder.
It also allows easy connection of alligator clips while experimenting with
mod designs.

-- Scott Gravenhorst
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