What alloy are you using, Tom. Most of the stuff you can buy at
home box stores is for plumbing applications (96%Tin, 4% Silver).
This stuff has a low melting point and the resistance is fairly
high (similar to tin/lead solder). Some of the model railroad sites
I found seem to be describing a higher temperature brazing like
process using alloys with a much higher silver content for things
like boiler assemblies. Sounds like you are talking about something
similar which would make alot a sense for bonding a tower
grounding system (low resistance, high melting point).
Do you have a source and a recommended flux? I am planning
to redo my grounding/radial system when we have our landscaping
done later this year, so I am interested in different options for
bonding things together.
Thanks,
Mike, W4EF.........................................................
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Rauch" <w8ji@contesting.com>
To: <K7LXC@aol.com>; ""Dudley Chapman"" <chief@thechief.com>;
<towertalk@contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2004 6:40 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Lightning protection questions.
> > A question - why do you use silver solder? Isn't that
> susceptible to melting when it takes a hit? It's also
> contrary to the National Electrical Code using mechanical or
> exothermic bonding
>
>
> It's old habit Steve. I silver soldered at AM broadcast
> stations for years, and never saw a problem. I silver solder
> here, and never have a joint come apart. The flashing strap
> from 300ft tower across the insulator is silver soldered
> with just a "fold" that is flooded, and it takes hit after
> hit. I can't ever in my life remember a silver solder
> connection coming undone, because to melt the solder you
> nearly have to melt the copper. I'm not recommending anyone
> do anything but what the code says, but my guess is there
> are all sorts of silver solders and they are afraid people
> will use the stuff made for plumbing. Many people, I'm sure,
> can't even solder properly with tin/lead. It makes sense to
> me they made the code like they did, almost anyone can
> tighten a bolt.
>
> It would make sense for the codes to require a "can't miss"
> thing. After all, a good solder connection is many times
> better than a wire nut. I can't think of a worse thing than
> using a little spring to hold two wires together.
>
> Why is soldering house wiring against code? Probably because
> most electricians can't solder. As long as I have my
> acetylene oxygen torch set, I'll probably never do anything
> else.
>
> 73 Tom
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
> _______________________________________________
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_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
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