cleaning the boards

[Harvey A. Kader]

George Maier wrote:

> Kevin:
> A long time ago I took a NASA sponsored course in hand soldering techniques.  I doubt that
> the basics have changed but you never know.  Anyway, their take (and mine ever since) on
> cleaning boards and soldered connections in general has been to use 99% pure isopropyl
> alcohol.  The stuff from the drug store is only 90% at best, and leaves some residue.
> I've been able to find quart containers of the good stuff in electronic parts stores.
> You'll need a box of Q-Tips and some alcohol brushes - you know, the ones with a metallic
> grip, and fairly stiff bristles.
> Good luck & 73
> George Maier - K1GXT
>

Actually, isopropyl alcohol obtained in the drugstore is ONLY 70% alcohol/water(V/V). It is
also called "rubbing alcohol". So if you use it on circuit boards, over one quarter is WATER -
not good.

I use it to clean spectacle lenses in my optometry practices. The WATER component makes it
milder on the lenses than pure alcohol. But for electronics, water is BAD news.

Harvey A. Kader

>

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