Modular Synth Panels

Regarding mineral deposits, I took a tip from the Blacet assembly 
instruction manuals and use distilled water from a bottle for the final 
rinse (after I'm done brushing with the warm water).

Water isn't going to stay trapped for long.  It evaporates!  I put 
washed boards under my warm work light for an hour or so before continuing.

Whether to solder capacitors before washing depends on the type.  Mylar 
and polyester caps are no problem.  I leave polypropylene and 
polystyrene for after the washing.  As for electrolytic capacitors, they 
are sealed well enough, but there is a question of whether flux would be 
trapped underneath radials and not get fully washed.  The Synthesis 
Technology (MOTM) kit manuals at first did say to install the 
electrolytic caps prior to washing, but then some of the later manuals 
were the opposite and said to install them after washing with no-clean 
solder.

The only problem I have actually noticed from inadequate washing was on 
some transistor leads that I didn't sufficiently brush when water 
washing.  Over time they built up a bit of visible crust that must have 
been from the organic flux.  (Of course, I can't see under the radial 
electrolytic caps.  So I'd recommend using no-clean for them.)

Richard Brewster
http://www.pugix.com

Steve wrote:
> I use alcohol because I'm afraid of the minerals from water being left
> behind and shortening the lifespan of everything- and of water getting
> trapped in places...
>
> Speaking of rinsing, how do people feel about washing after adding
> capacitors?
>
> FYI I'll summarize all the input on techniques and put up on
> http://modularland.com in a tech section soon... Modularland is my studio.
>
> --- In ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com, Richard Brewster
> <pugix@...> wrote:
>   
>> Kester 331 is water washable, so why use alcohol?
>>