Olin Lathrop wrote: > > > Soldering standards include things like if you replace a resistor you > trim > > the lead to length before soldering, I have seen work rejected because > > someone cleared the pads > > inserted resistor soldered the resistor in circuit then cut off surplus > lead > > length. > > I'm curious. What is the advantage to trimming the lead before soldering? > I would have thought the other way around to be more reliable. I can believe this! A lot of the problems with bad joints we get in TVs are because the exposed tip of the steel leg started to corrode, then this travelled down the outer surface around the leg and eventually dry jointed. Dissimilar metals and oxygen and stuff. When re-soldering these bad joints I scruff the top surface of the pin as well as the sides, so the solder then forms a full seal around it. I was very intrigued by the military soldering info, I think it would be very schmick to cut the leads just clear of the board, then solder them to completely cover the lead and protect it from the environment. Sounds like a bit more work, and may need something to hold the component while soldering so it doesn't fall out. If we didn't already encapsulate our product and use very cool running parts I would consider this. Classy move, especially where the parts run warm or are exposed to the air. Also filling the vias is a classy move, thinking about doing that one! -Roman -- http://www.piclist.com#nomail Going offline? Don't AutoReply us! use mailto:listserv@mitvma.mit.edu?body=SET%20PICList%20DIGEST