MOTM

For the archives, the definitive via tutorial (I shan't repeat this, so pay
attention!)

Vias are the small plated holes that allow traces to connect from the 'top
side' (component side)
to the 'bottom side' (solder side). Vias are the #1 failure mechanism for pc
boards. Over time and
mechanical flexing, the plated linings of the holes (only 0.0025 thick) form
hairline cracks.

The cure is to fill the via holes with solder. This happens automatically in
the brains of 46 year old
geeks that have been soldering since 7th grade. However, the aforementioned
46yr old geek is sympathetic
to newbies and so in *later* instructions pointed this fact out.

So, even if not point out explicitely, yes you shouild ALWAYS fill in the
via holes. Even if I forget to tell you.

If you don't have vias filled on finished modules, you can still fill them
in with NO CLEAN solder from the top
side of the board. All it takes is a TINY BIT.

You don't HAVE to fill them in. It's just me being Mr. Perfect (or as Moe
claims, Mr. Cranky).

Paul S.

Just to make Mr. Cranky's instructions even MORE explicit, for those 
who haven't built a newer module with the via soldering instructions 
in them:

1. The best thing to do is to fill the vias using water clean solder 
after all components are installed that can still be rinsed. So that 
means after resistors, capacitors, and ICs, but before trimmers, 
tempco resistors which require heatsink compound, and before 
installing wires to the panel. Then do your final board rinse.

2. For an already completed module, either use no-clean solder or 
just leave them unfilled.

Moe

>>>>
You don't HAVE to fill them in. It's just me being Mr. Perfect (or as 
Moe
claims, Mr. Cranky).

Paul S.
<<<<