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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: UnFocused on Tue, 17 May 2016, 22:52:09
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I just replaced all of the MX brown switches in a QFR with vintage MX blacks and everything is working as it should.
I'm a somewhat new to soldering and I used a bit of flux on several switches from a Kester "Soldering Flux #186 RMA FLUX PEN". I tried cleaning the flux from the PCB with 91% isopropyl and a not so stiff anti-static brush, but now there's a sticky residue all over the PCB. I don't think the alcohol was dissolving the bristles of the brush because they look normal.
Wikipedia tells me that "RMA flux is formulated to result in a residue which is not significantly corrosive, with cleaning being preferred but optional."
So, while I don't think I NEED to clean it, should I? Will leaving the sticky residue on the PCB cause problems down the road?
Exactly what product should I use if I do clean it?
Also, these vintage MX blacks (from a Wyse board with what looks to be a 1989 date code) are wonderful!
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I see many circuit boards with the residual flux still left on. It's non conductive and non corrosive. A thick solder paste I would probably try to clean the excess. I am not the authority on soldering, I'm simply telling you what I have seen and in my opinion it's not a problem.
If it's liquid flux from a pen you could simply dab it with lens paper or a tissue and soak up most of the remaining flux.