High Altitude Solder
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I plan to do a lot of mountaintopping in the next few years and will
be assembling a K1 for this specific use. I need to locate a good source for MILSPEC high altitude solder that meets Elecraft's specifications and will not void the warranty. The reported 22% increase in equipment efficiency will make the extra expense worthwhile. Does anybody know of a vendor that still sells it? Are there any special precautions or procedures for using this solder? Lynn N7CFO _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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> Does anybody know of a vendor that still sells it? Are
there any special precautions or procedures for using this solder? Any quality solder will work. You just have to assemble the K-1 in a vacuum chamber to out-gas the connections. Remember to hold your breath to avoid contamination. Paul N8NOV _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Lynn Burlingame
Lynn,
The best is liquid solder - one used to find it in hardware stores, but I havn't looked recently. Those loose electrons are the main thing that improves the efficiency. Now if someone could just come up with a way to keep it from hardening so the electrons stay loose longer <G>. 73, Don W3FPR > -----Original Message----- > > I plan to do a lot of mountaintopping in the next few years and will > be assembling a K1 for this specific use. I need to locate a good > source for MILSPEC high altitude solder that meets Elecraft's > specifications and will not void the warranty. The reported 22% > increase in equipment efficiency will make the extra expense > worthwhile. Does anybody know of a vendor that still sells it? Are > there any special precautions or procedures for using this solder? > > Lynn > N7CFO > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.3.4/299 - Release Date: 3/31/2006 > > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Lynn Burlingame
At 12:57 PM 4/1/2006, Lynn Burlingame wrote...
>I plan to do a lot of mountaintopping in the next few years and will >be assembling a K1 for this specific use. I need to locate a good >source for MILSPEC high altitude solder that meets Elecraft's >specifications and will not void the warranty. The reported 22% >increase in equipment efficiency will make the extra expense >worthwhile. Does anybody know of a vendor that still sells it? Are >there any special precautions or procedures for using this solder? If you do that you'll have a problem with your kit once you return to lower altitudes. I suggest simply building normally, then dipping the circuit board in Plasti-Dip (make sure you do all the tuning first). HTH! HAND! _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Lynn Burlingame
I was impressed with the added performance from using HA solder on my K1 SN
1976 at altitude, but I thought the advantages were quickly lost from having to store the K1 in an altitude chamber when I got home. I'm not seeing the full 22% increase that some are seeing since the mountains around here are limited to around 11,000+'. I built my chamber from an old Pelican case and a C&H dry vane vacuum pump. I stick a pocket altimeter inside to monitor "vacuum" and maintain it at the 18,000' specified for HA solder in long-term storage. I have a quick disconnect fitting so I can unplug the Pelican case from the pump and it maintains "altitude" long enough for me to get back to the mountains. Details on my web site. Eric KE6US www.ke6us.com -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Lynn Burlingame Sent: Saturday, April 01, 2006 9:58 AM To: [hidden email] Subject: [Elecraft] High Altitude Solder I plan to do a lot of mountaintopping in the next few years and will be assembling a K1 for this specific use. I need to locate a good source for MILSPEC high altitude solder that meets Elecraft's specifications and will not void the warranty. The reported 22% increase in equipment efficiency will make the extra expense worthwhile. Does anybody know of a vendor that still sells it? Are there any special precautions or procedures for using this solder? Lynn N7CFO _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Mike S-8
If those folks can locate that high-altitude solder, I'm sure the same
source will have an ample supply of RF grease to help the radio waves slip off of your antenna. It's especially useful for very short antennas where the electromagnetic friction gets very, very high in those loading coils. I ran out about 1960 and haven't been able to find any since. The experts tell me it wasn't the grease at all, but the biggest sunspot cycle since radio was discovered that did the good work, but I know better. My logs prove it! Ron AC7AC _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Paul T. Rubin
>> Does anybody know of a vendor that still sells it? Are
> there any special precautions or procedures for using this solder? > > Any quality solder will work. You just have to assemble the K-1 in a vacuum > chamber to out-gas the connections. Remember to hold your breath to avoid > contamination. Actually, it is OK to not hold you breath. The secret is to not exhale... As for how long you can hold your breath in a vacuum, I refer you to Arthur Dent. 73, Lyle KK7P _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Lynn Burlingame
When using high altitude solder it is critical to use a left handed
soldering station otherwise the overall transceiver efficency is severely degraded. Happy building. 73 de N0EHQ > I plan to do a lot of mountaintopping in the next few years and will > be assembling a K1 for this specific use. I need to locate a good > source for MILSPEC high altitude solder that meets Elecraft's > specifications and will not void the warranty. The reported 22% > increase in equipment efficiency will make the extra expense > worthwhile. Does anybody know of a vendor that still sells it? Are > there any special precautions or procedures for using this solder? > > Lynn > N7CFO > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Ron D'Eau Claire-2
On Sat, 1 Apr 2006 10:47:26 -0800, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
>If those folks can locate that high-altitude solder, I'm sure the same >source will have an ample supply of RF grease to help the radio waves slip >off of your antenna. While we're there, see if they have any folding seats for the standing waves....it's really important for portable operations. -- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by KK7P
>>-----Original Message----- >>From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] >> On Behalf Of Lyle Johnson >> >>As for how long you can hold your breath in a vacuum, I refer you to Arthur Dent. >> >>73, >> >>Lyle KK7P Hmmm, very good point Lyle. 42, -rick, K7LOG _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by N0EHQ
----- Original Message -----
From: <[hidden email]> > When using high altitude solder it is critical to use a left handed > soldering station otherwise the overall transceiver efficency is severely > degraded. Happy building. Only in the Northern hemisphere. Here in Switzerland we get the effect of the major south pacific gullibolitc storms, so we have to add a little cheese paste to the mix to make it acceptable. In case of emergency you can eat any Swiss radio. Simon Brown --- http://blog.hb9drv.ch/ _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by N0EHQ
Only in the northern hemisphere, as was discovered by Gaspard
Coriolis watching the mojo swirling as it ran out. Bob, N7XY On Apr 1, 2006, at 11:01 AM, [hidden email] wrote: > When using high altitude solder it is critical to use a left handed > soldering station otherwise the overall transceiver efficency is > severely > degraded. Happy building. > > 73 de N0EHQ > > > > >> I plan to do a lot of mountaintopping in the next few years and will >> be assembling a K1 for this specific use. I need to locate a good >> source for MILSPEC high altitude solder that meets Elecraft's >> specifications and will not void the warranty. The reported 22% >> increase in equipment efficiency will make the extra expense >> worthwhile. Does anybody know of a vendor that still sells it? Are >> there any special precautions or procedures for using this solder? >> >> Lynn >> N7CFO >> _______________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Post to: [hidden email] >> You must be a subscriber to post to the list. >> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): >> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm >> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com >> > > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Lynn Burlingame
In a message dated 4/1/06 2:01:33 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[hidden email] writes: > When using high altitude solder it is critical to use a left handed > soldering station otherwise the overall transceiver efficency is severely > degraded. Urban legend. The left handed soldering station is only needed in the southern hemisphere. The same effect can be had be rewinding the solder onto the spool opposite the way it came from the factory. Good luck. 73 de Jim, N2EY _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Lynn Burlingame
I had the same problem, until I discovered that underwater solder works
just as well. It's all about the pressure differences. I use the fresh water variety, since I do most of my mountain topping on inland mountains. I get it from Cousteau Electronics Supply, they are on the web. You do have to be careful when you go up the mountain. If you go too fast, the point to point wiring gets the bends and that plays havoc with the efficiency. By the way, you can still use your rig in your ham shack if you immerse it in distilled water, overnight. This treatment keeps the solder active for about a week. Enjoy the rest of the day Logan, KZ6O Lynn Burlingame wrote: >I plan to do a lot of mountaintopping in the next few years and will >be assembling a K1 for this specific use. I need to locate a good >source for MILSPEC high altitude solder that meets Elecraft's >specifications and will not void the warranty. The reported 22% >increase in equipment efficiency will make the extra expense >worthwhile. Does anybody know of a vendor that still sells it? Are >there any special precautions or procedures for using this solder? > >Lynn >N7CFO >_______________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Post to: [hidden email] >You must be a subscriber to post to the list. >Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm >Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > > > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Ron D'Eau Claire-2
Ron,
Now that we are switching to daylight savings time tonight, my immediate concern is what this extra hour of daylight will do to 40 meter propagation and my lawn. It's already getting hot around here. Do you think RF grease will help combat the 40 meter problem? 73, Gil NN4CW _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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On Sat, 01 Apr 2006 16:00:06 -0500, Gil Stacy wrote:
>Now that we are switching to daylight savings time tonight, my immediate >concern is what this extra hour of daylight will do to 40 meter propagation >and my lawn. It's already getting hot around here. That's because you're using hotmail, Gil. >Do you think RF grease will help combat the 40 meter problem? Nah... 40 meters is beyopnd all help nowadays. If the extra hour of daylight bothers you, keeping your eyes closed during that time will sometimes help. -- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Logan Zintsmaster
OK you guys, I have gone out to the garage and put on my "hip waders" now you guys can continue, as now I won't get any on me ! Well, unless it gets so deep, it goes over the top of the waders !!! 73... Ken.....K7ZUM > I had the same problem, until I discovered that underwater solder works > just as well. It's all about the pressure differences. I use the fresh > water variety, since I do most of my mountain topping on inland > mountains. I get it from Cousteau Electronics Supply, they are on the > web. You do have to be careful when you go up the mountain. If you go > too fast, the point to point wiring gets the bends and that plays havoc > with the efficiency. > > By the way, you can still use your rig in your ham shack if you immerse > it in distilled water, overnight. This treatment keeps the solder > active for about a week. > > Enjoy the rest of the day > Logan, > KZ6O > > > Lynn Burlingame wrote: > > >I plan to do a lot of mountaintopping in the next few years and will > >be assembling a K1 for this specific use. I need to locate a good > >source for MILSPEC high altitude solder that meets Elecraft's > >specifications and will not void the warranty. The reported 22% > >increase in equipment efficiency will make the extra expense > >worthwhile. Does anybody know of a vendor that still sells it? Are > >there any special precautions or procedures for using this solder? > > > >Lynn > >N7CFO > >_______________________________________________ > >Elecraft mailing list > >Post to: [hidden email] > >You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > >Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > > >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > >Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by N2EY
On Sat, 1 Apr 2006 [hidden email] wrote:
> In a message dated 4/1/06 2:01:33 PM Eastern Standard Time, > [hidden email] writes: > > >> When using high altitude solder it is critical to use a left handed >> soldering station otherwise the overall transceiver efficency is severely >> degraded. > > Urban legend. > > The left handed soldering station is only needed in the southern hemisphere. > > The same effect can be had be rewinding the solder onto the spool opposite > the way it came from the factory. But that only works if the outside layers are wound first. 73,Thom-k3hrn www.zerobeat.net Home of QRP Web Ring, Drakelist home page,Drake Web Ring, QRP IRC channel, Drake IRC Channel, Elecraft Owners Database www.tlchost.net/hosting/ *** Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Lynn Burlingame
Looks like the arts and crafts folks have dealt with this issue before -
http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive/199912/threads.htm I did not read much of the thread, but it looks like you have to immerse the radio in Nitrous Oxide while soldering. They also suggest using a lot of hot air instead of directly contacting the joint with a hot iron tip. N7WY ---- Lynn Burlingame <[hidden email]> wrote: > I plan to do a lot of mountaintopping in the next few years and will > be assembling a K1 for this specific use. I need to locate a good > source for MILSPEC high altitude solder that meets Elecraft's > specifications and will not void the warranty. The reported 22% > increase in equipment efficiency will make the extra expense > worthwhile. Does anybody know of a vendor that still sells it? Are > there any special precautions or procedures for using this solder? > > Lynn > N7CFO > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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