That does make sense, and you are probably correct that the primary
reason is environmental rather than physical. I do know that moisture
turns lead to soft white powder, though, and I've seen it happen often.
Again, whether that would degrade a well-formed solder joint in any
short period of time might be questionable.
I also know that solder copper joints below grade don't pass residential
codes, at least not in this geographic area. That is probably due to
different corrosion issues than from simple moisture, though.
73,
Dave AB7E
On 3/24/2011 10:21 AM, Bill Aycock wrote:
> David--
> Your last sentence here is true, but has nothing to do with degradation
> of wire joints. Lead is forbidden in water pipes because it tends to
> leach into the water, and is a poison. Lead particularly causes brain
> damage in developing children. That's why lead is also forbidden in paint.
> The response of lead solder is a wide-range variable, and is affected by
> soil and air conditions, so there will be wide differences in experience
> on its durability.
> Bill--W4BSG
>
> On 3/24/2011 11:34 AM, David Gilbert wrote:
>> Moisture is a big issue for standard lead-tin solder and over time it
>> can degrade a typical solder joint to the point of failure, although I'm
>> sure it also depends upon other chemical influences. Whether that would
>> happen in any of our remaining lifetimes is a point of conjecture.
>> There is a reason, however, that lead-tin solder does not meet code for
>> soldering copper water plumbing.
>>
>> Dave AB7E
>>
>>
>>
>> On 3/24/2011 6:02 AM, David Jordan wrote:
>>> Hmmmm,
>>>
>>> I've had some wire antennas up in the air for over 20 yrs. Used rosin-core
>>> solder. Surface looks weathered but below the surface the solder is stable,
>>> connection good. Location is high acid, salt, blown sand/dust, relatively
>>> high pollution. YMMV
>>>
>>> I use silver solder on pressurized copper tubing HVAC connections but don't
>>> waste it on antennas and the melt temperature is higher risking compromise
>>> of the small wires. Never saw the need to use silver solder for antennas so
>>> I guess preferred is in the eye of the beholder, as in hold still so I can
>>> get a good solder joint!
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Dave
>>> Wa3gin
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
>>> [mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of don daso
>>> Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 12:39 PM
>>> To: TowerTalk@contesting.com
>>> Subject: [TowerTalk] soldering radials (or any outdoor connection)
>>>
>>> The preferred method is to use Silver Solder.
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> TowerTalk mailing list
>>> TowerTalk@contesting.com
>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>>
>>
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>>
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