cutting PCB traces

[Dave Halliday]

It worked great - the transformer doesn't kick out that much of an external
magnetic field - it would be a poor design if it did since this would kill
the efficiency.

The time it takes to blow the trace is so short that there were no problems
from heating.



-----Original Message-----
From: Rob [mailto:cyborg_0 at iquest.net]
Sent: Monday, January 17, 2000 5:05 PM
To: John Speth; Synth-DIY List (E-mail)
Subject: Re: cutting PCB traces


WEll, I could believe it, but whether or not its troo is another thing.. I
mean, yes, there is a HUGE xformer in that thing, so, go figure..

Rob

----- Original Message -----
From: John Speth <JohnS at molectron.com>
To: Synth-DIY List (E-mail) <synth-diy at mailhost.bpa.nl>
Sent: Monday, January 17, 2000 6:55 PM
Subject: RE: cutting PCB traces


> > One very clever way I saw a few years ago was to use a large
> > transformer-based Soldering Gun.  These are the kind with a
> > pistol-grip and
> > a transformer sitting on top.  There are two shafts that come
> > out the front
> > and a copper electrode is connected between the two shafts.
> > When you pull
> > the trigger, the transformer puts a volt or two at several
> > tens of amps
> > through the copper electrode causing it to heat up enough to melt the
> > solder.  These irons are waaaay to large ( too much heat ) to
> > be used for
> > solid-state work but are more for electrical wiring, sheet-metal work,
> > etc...
>
> Jeepers, that sounds like it could have drastic consequences!  I'd test
that
> on a board with similar traces and material first.
>
> When I was a youth, I heard that the magnetic fields from those
transformer
> guns induce potentially damaging currents in the circuit.  Was I given
good
> info?
>
> John Speth
> Molectron Detector, Inc.
> http://www.molectron.com
> mailto:johns at molectron.com
>