1. Solder does not break down due to UV.
2. The lead in lead-tin solder will react with moisture to form a white
crumbly oxide. Exposed to the elements, the entire joint will
eventually become porous and brittle. That's why plumbing solder is
lead-free, and that is what I use (otherwise unprotected) for all my
outdoor solder connections.
73,
Dave AB7E
Dave Harmon wrote:
> Now ya got me thinking...slowly....
>
> In Calif I had an inverted V for 80mtrs hanging off my tower for 28 years.
> I never had any trouble other than my dawg chewing coax and rotor cables.
> I DO remembering being on the roof and noticing that the soldered,
> unprotected splices of wire used for the stubs were looking a bit
> gnarly....sort of white crumbly stuff....probably known as corrosion.
> These stubs were two wraps of 16awg 3' or 4' long solid copper, insulated.
> The solder joint was open to the weather. All I did was reheat and add new
> Multi-Core.
> I'm not saying that soldered connections don't need to be protected but I've
> never had problems. Probably a bit of Penetrox wouldn't hurt.
> I slathered up my Ht-Tower pretty good with that stuff.
>
>
> Regards
>
> Dave Harmon
> K6XYZ[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
> Sperry, Ok.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
> [mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of KI9A@aol.com
> Sent: Friday, December 25, 2009 6:08 PM
> To: towertalk@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Splicing and weatherproofing ladder line
>
> Mine has been spliced, and uncovered since 1998. Looks great, works great.
> Any kind of tape, ect., will break down FAR quicker than solder.
>
> 73- Chuck KI9A
>
>
> In a message dated 12/25/2009 6:04:41 P.M. Central Standard Time,
> EZRhino@fastmovers.biz writes:
>
> I thought I read somewhere that solder breaks down from the UV
> light. Taping it up or some liquid electrical tape should do the trick.
>
> Chris
> KF7P
>
>
>
> On Dec 25, 2009, at 15:22 , John Kemker wrote:
>
> Y'know, I would have though the solder itself would act as a
> weatherproofing, as a proper solder joint is supposed to be mechanically
> sound, first, then the solder surrounds the joint with
> lead/tin/silver/whatever, providing an encapsulated joint that should be
> protected from the elements. Once you've soldered, a little bit of
> liquid electrical tape or just plain electrical tape should do the job.
>
> --JohnK
> 73 de W5NNH
> 10X 75371/M&M 117/SMIRK 6185/Six Club 285/TRA 2499/Norcross 228 F&AM
>
>
>
> Wes Attaway (N5WA) wrote:
>
>> Twist the wires together over about a 1-inch length. Solder the
>> connection
>> and massage some coax-seal around the joints.
>>
>> ------------------ Wes Attaway (N5WA) ------------------
>> 1138 Waters Edge Circle - Shreveport, LA 71106
>> 318-797-4972 (office) - 318-393-3289 (cell)
>> Computer Consulting and Forensics
>> -------------- EnCase Certified Examiner ---------------
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
>> [mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of anthony
>> Sent: Friday, December 25, 2009 11:44 AM
>> To: towertalk@contesting.com
>> Subject: [TowerTalk] Splicing and weatherproofing ladder line
>>
>> Merry christmas to everyone.
>>
>> I need some advice. Im lengthining my 450 ohm ladder line, The
>> splice will
>> be outside in the elements. What would be the best way to totally
>> weather
>> proof the connection. I was thinking a few coats of scotchcoat and
>> then some
>> GE clear silicone. Any help would be apreciated. thanks fellow hams.
>>
>> tony k2vi
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