Subj : Re: Homebrew antenna questions
To   : alt.ham-radio.vhf-uhf
From : Gary S.
Date : Fri Sep 30 2005 13:32:53

From Newsgroup: alt.ham-radio.vhf-uhf

On Fri, 30 Sep 2005 06:54:41 -0500, Bob Bob <bob3bob3@cox.net> wrote:

>Cheers Bob VK2YQA
>
>Carl / W6VDC wrote:
>
>> A seemingly silly question comes to mind.  When soldering the 1/2 in 
>> copper pipe together, should I use plumbers solder or electronics 
>> solder?  I'm guessing electronic solder.
>Plumbers is fine
>
>The difference (from memory) is in the flux. Plumbers is more 
>aggressive/corrosive whereas electronics uses rosin and is much less so. 
>In my view it will be much easier using plumbers. Just take pains to 
>clean the joint afterwards.
>
Yes, the electronics solder uses a rosin flux, while plumber's solder
uses an acid flux. Both have a variety of solder alloy options.

Residue of the acid flux can damage electronic components over time,
while the rosin does not. Nooks and crannies can hold onto the acid
flux, and then it etches away at things.

Rosin flux will rinse clean, and.or if left, be innocuous.

For your J-pole, the plumber's flux is fine, although I would suggest
a thorough rinse in water. It assures a better electrical connection,
because of its more aggressive flux action, even on copper pipe with
surface oxidation.

Happy trails,
Gary (net.yogi.bear)
-- 
At the 51st percentile of ursine intelligence

Gary D. Schwartz, Needham, MA, USA
Please reply to: garyDOTschwartzATpoboxDOTcom

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