David--
Your last sentence here is true, but has nothing to do with degradation
of wire joints. Lead is forbidden in water pipes because it tends to
leach into the water, and is a poison. Lead particularly causes brain
damage in developing children. That's why lead is also forbidden in paint.
The response of lead solder is a wide-range variable, and is affected by
soil and air conditions, so there will be wide differences in experience
on its durability.
Bill--W4BSG
On 3/24/2011 11:34 AM, David Gilbert wrote:
> 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@contesting.com
>> [mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of don daso
>> Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 12:39 PM
>> To: TowerTalk@contesting.com
>> Subject: [TowerTalk] soldering radials (or any outdoor connection)
>>
>> The preferred method is to use Silver Solder.
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
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