[TowerTalk] soldering radials (or any outdoor connection)

[David Gilbert]

Moisture is a big issue for standard lead-tin solder and over time it 
can degrade a typical solder joint to the point of failure, although I'm 
sure it also depends upon other chemical influences.  Whether that would 
happen in any of our remaining lifetimes is a point of conjecture.  
There is a reason, however, that lead-tin solder does not meet code for 
soldering copper water plumbing.

Dave   AB7E



On 3/24/2011 6:02 AM, David Jordan wrote:
> Hmmmm,
>
> I've had some wire antennas up in the air for over 20 yrs.  Used rosin-core
> solder.  Surface looks weathered but below the surface the solder is stable,
> connection good.  Location is high acid, salt, blown sand/dust, relatively
> high pollution.  YMMV
>
> I use silver solder on pressurized copper tubing HVAC connections but don't
> waste it on antennas and the melt temperature is higher risking compromise
> of the small wires.  Never saw the need to use silver solder for antennas so
> I guess preferred is in the eye of the beholder, as in hold still so I can
> get a good solder joint!
>
> 73,
> Dave
> Wa3gin
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of don daso
> Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 12:39 PM
> To: TowerTalk at contesting.com
> Subject: [TowerTalk] soldering radials (or any outdoor connection)
>
> The preferred method is to use Silver Solder.
>
>
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