[Linux-ham] Electronics with Lead-free solder problems

[Scott G. Hall]

I too agree that lead-free solder doesn't handle as well.  If you are 
still looking for a good source of the stuff, Jameco is still carrying a 
good collection:
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&categoryId=602050

This gets me to another discussion -- like Don mentions below, I much 
prefer 63/37 (PB/SN %) over the more common 60/40, especially for fine 
surface-mount work.  What are your opinions of various formulas and 
sizes of solder for various types of work?

- sgh

Don Wilhelm <w3fpr at arrl.net> wrote:
> Tanner may be exaggerating the problem, maybe not - time will tell.
>
> I find a more immediate problem is working with the stuff.  It 
> requires a higher iron temperature, and does not conduct heat through 
> itself very well.  It makes desoldering thru-plated holes very 
> difficult and I hate to see it when a radio repair comes in that has 
> been soldered with the lead free stuff.  It is not too bad working 
> with it on SMD.
>
> I have a horde of 37/63 .015 Multicore solder with a mildly reactive 
> flux that will likely last me a lifetime.  Leaded solders are still 
> available.
>
> Interesting that lead-free solders are prohibited for Avionics and 
> space-bound equipment.
>
> Don
>
> Tanner Lovelace" <clubjuggler at gmail.com> wrote:
>> Just read an interesting article by computer pundit Robert Cringley
>> about the use of lead-free solder that's been in place the last couple
>> of years.  Apparently reliability of lead-free solder is much lower than
>> that of lead/tin solder that used to be used.  I wonder what this means
>> for current ham radio equipment.  Most of the equipment I have is
>> decently old (youngest radio is 5-10 years old and I've got some radios
>> older than I am).  Will this just end up being a "they don't make it like
>> they used to" thing?  Thoughts?
>>
>> Article reference:
>> http://www.pbs.org/cringely/pulpit/2008/pulpit_20080221_004346.html
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Tanner
>

-- 
Scott G. Hall
Raleigh, NC, USA
ScottGHall at BellSouth.Net