[sdiy] Defluxing/Circuit Trace Repair

[epeasant at telusplanet.net]

>Hi Folks,
>    What kinds of effects can an un-defluxed board cause in a synth?

Rosin flux is "hydroscopic"; it absorbs moisture and causes unpredictable leakage
currents. I believe that removing flux is ALWAYS a good idea, as you never now
what problems may be caused and when. I once had a high impedance radiation
counter circuit give false counts on rainy days, when it was dry it worked fine.
Defluxing fixed the problem completely. I have said it before and I'll say it
again, anytime you finish any pcb soldering, flux off!!!

>The board I have in mind works fine, but it appears never to have been
>defluxed, probably as a cost saving measure at the factory.  Would I
>gain anything going through the trouble?

An extra measure of reliability.

>    A second question: Does anyone have advice on repairing broken
>circuit traces?  I've seen those trace-fixer pens, but at $15 a pop I
>didn't feel like risking it without gathering some educated opinions
>first.  Thanks.

The pens that I have tried weren't worth the packaging they came in, I would
avoid them. Soldering a small wire across the trace has always worked well for
me.

Take care,
Doug

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The Electronic Peasant

www.electronicpeasant.com