Topband: Soldering radials?

[Merv Schweigert]

I had soldering problems here in the salt air until I switched to
no lead plumbers solder and pure resin flux.  have not had a problem
since,   I have radials and connections over 7 years old that
are in great shape,  exposed to the elements.
YMMV
73 Merv K9FD/KH6


> I'd like to get the latest thinking from the group
> on soldering radials.  What I currently thinking
> is as follows:
>
> SOLDER SELECTION:
>
> 1.  Tin lead doesn't hold up in the weather.
>
> 2.  "Stay Brite" 3% silver solder (97% tin,
> no lead) is known to work well, but is expensive,
> and has a considerably higher melting point
> than 63/37.
>
> 3.  Lead free plumber's solder obviously works
> in water pipes, but does it hold up outdoors
> in the rain?  What is the melting point?
>
> FLUX SELECTION:
>
> 1.  Pure rosin.  Hardest to work with, but minimum
> corrosion issues.
>
> 2.  Activated rosin.  Easier to work with.  What
> corrosion issues are there?
>
> 3.  Acid core plumber's flux.  Very easy to work
> with, very corrosive.  Does this hold up in the
> rain, etc?
>
> (I remember the dire warnings that Heathkit manuals
> had about not using acid core solder, but I
> guess that doesn't apply to radials.)
>
> CRIMPING?
>
> Has anyone tried crimping as an alternative to solder?
>
> Rick
> N6RK
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