Solder Problems (PDP-8/m related)

From: Joe <rigdonj_at_intellistar.net>
Date: Fri Dec 3 17:57:39 1999

At 04:35 PM 12/3/99 -0500, someone asked:

>> I don't know what the exact MP of this stuff is but my iron (Weller EC
>>3000) is set to less than 600d and it melts and flows well at that
>>temperature. I don't know if the temperature control is accurate or not
>>though. This is 2% silver.
>
>What is the rest of the solder? Tin, lead, something else?

   It says Sn62 so 62% tin. I was told that it's 2% silver. I assume the
reaminer is lead. I checked Kester's website and they don't list the
stuff. I've send them a message asking for the composition and melting point.

>
>"Silver solder" is an extremely vague term, covering everything from
>special low melting point Indium-Silver alloys to 2% Silver/tin/lead
>solders to brazing, depending on the context it is used in.

   I have some 4% silver stuff too. I think 2% and 4% are what's normally
used for electronics work.

>
>The indium-rich solders are *really* neat stuff, if you ever get a
>chance to work with them. Melting temperatures down to near room temperature
>are available, as well as entire series of solder alloys with graduated
>melting temperatures for building up intricate assemblies. And many indium
>solders will even wet and stick to *glass*.

  I just missed get a 2 pound can of 97% Indium solder paste in a scrap
place last week for $2. A friend of mine saw it first and grabbed it.
Grrrr. He said the Indium paste was great for working outside. You could
twist the wires together, drip them in the Indium paste then heat the joint
with a match to solder it.

>
>Expensive stuff, as well!

   I'm sure!

   Joe
Received on Fri Dec 03 1999 - 17:57:39 GMT