On Tue, 16 Aug 2011 22:00:10 -0400
Charles Moizeau <w2sh@msn.com> wrote:
>
> 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.
>
Jorge,
I use No. 16 multi-strand, tinned, insulated wires for
radials. They are soldered to a ring made of 1/2 inch
copper pipe that is 2 inches above the concrete pad
surrounding my TX vertical. The solder joints were made
with regular Tin/Led (60/40) solder and were covered by a
thick layer of heavy, insulating varnish (paint). The
installation is about 4 feet from the seawall and is
exposed to salt water spray. After 6 years all the joints
remain perfect due to the paint. (Any exposed joints would
have long corroded away.) Regardless whether you are
soldering or crimping the radial wires, the joints must be
protected against the entry of water and salt. I do not
think there is any difference in the quality of soldered
or crimped joints as long as they are made well and are
properly insulated. (Although I prefer soldered joints,
when using crimped joints, in addition to the insulation,
I add a small amount of copper-grease between the wires
and the crimp terminals. I work a lot on boats, where the
environment is very corrosive due to the salt water.
Because of the vibration, crimped joints are preferred,
and I have found that they do well when prepared as
described above.)
GL es 73,
George, AA7JV
_______________________________________________
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
|