[Amps] SB-221 Why is the the variable load capacitor only crimpedto the ...

[Ian White, G3SEK]

Steve Thompson wrote:
>> Possibly because regular soldering can melt under the heat of the
>> circulating tank circuit current.  A mechanical connection is better
>> for this area, there
>> is nothing that can melt.  I HAVE SEEN IT HAPPEN MORE THAN ONCE!

>In all the high reliability areas I've worked connectors are always 
>crimped, not soldered - maybe for different reasons from the Heath amp, 
>but I think many people are not aware of how good a properly made crimp 
>connection is.

The UK mains wiring regulations are very strict about the quality of 
connections in locations where routine inspection will never be possible 
after installation (eg buried in walls). Properly made crimp connections 
are one of the few categories that they will accept. They will not 
accept connections that rely only or mainly on solder, not anywhere in 
the system.

>A big proviso - the wire and crimp tool have to be the right ones for 
>the connector.
>
The simple pliers-type crimp tools obviously don't qualify - and neither 
do regular pliers, of course - but real ratchet crimp tools have 
recently become much cheaper. Prices in the UK have come down to the 
equivalent of about $20-25 (www.cpc.co.uk) and presumably the same far 
eastern imports could be available in the USA.

That's real progress - so now I won't need to borrow Steve's any more 
:-)


-- 
73 from Ian G3SEK         'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)