[TowerTalk] More on soldering...

[Barry Kutner]

As long as we are talking about soldering, here's a related question:

Have you ever had to repair your wire antenna in the field? Either 
the wire breaks (sometimes with the help of my landscaper :.(  ), and 
needs to be soldered back together; or, connection of coax to center 
insulator/wire breaks from too much flapping in the breeze.

I've used my Weller 100/140W gun with success only on warm days with 
little or no wind. When using a Propane torch, the wire seems to 
oxidize before the solder will take, and it just balls up and drips 
on my leg (ouch!) I have been using stranded cooperweld wire, and 
clean it with sandpaper and/or emery cloth prior to soldering. Maybe 
the oxidation between strands is part of the problem?

Be interested in hearing others' experiences... 73 Barry
--
Barry Kutner, W2UP                           Internet: w2up@op.net
Newtown, PA                   FRC            alternate: barry@w2up.wells.com
                                            

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