[TowerTalk] Topband: soldering radials

[Charles Moizeau]

Jorge,

It has been my experience at this QTH in NJ that soldered connections outdoors do not do well with solder that contains lead.  Over time the connections all turn dull and often the solder on a well-soldered joint will crumble over time.

For this reason all my outdoor soldered connections are made with a solder that is 96 percent tin and 4 percent silver.  It is readily available in the US at Radio Shack stores.  

In your case, you might see if jewelry makers or stores that repair jewelry have this kind of solder.

I use a DXE radial plate and the ring-shaped connector lugs are soldered as I have described, and it is a very satisfactory arrangement.  

73,

Charles, W2SH

> From: cx6vm.jorge at gmail.com
> To: towertalk at contesting.com; topband at contesting.com
> Date: Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:12:44 -0300
> Subject: Topband: soldering radials
> 
> Hello,
> 
>  
> 
> a friend told me to not solder radials to the vertical ring/plate and
> between them if I am installing an array, like a 4 square. That´s because
> can catch some noise.
> 
>  
> 
> That´s true?
> 
>  
> 
> If yes, how can I solder them? Also if I use a DXE plate to atacch the
> radials, I need to solder the wire to terminals, so what type of solder may
> I use?
> 
>  
> 
> Do you have a type/model (or ebay link) to see what to use?
> 
>  
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Jorge
> 
> CX6VM/CW5W
> 
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