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Organic Rosin Core Solder

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John Bonk-2

Organic Rosin Core Solder

Just a friendly warning to those who may not know the exact origin of their
solder. I used a Kester solder that was labeled "organic rosin core" on my
K2 (only 75% of the RF board) while I was waiting for a re-supply order to
come in.

Fast forward one week:

Minus one sloppy joint, my K2 fired up and was putting out the expected
power during part three of alignment. Big whoop of satisfaction follows.
Completed kit build with no issues.yet.

Fast forward two weeks:

Turned on the K2 to do some listening, upon hitting the tune button, I see
the High Current warning. After pulling apart the K2 again, I notice that
75% of the solder joints on the RF board seem to be suffering from some sort
of corrosion. Attempted to clean small portion with alcohol, very little
luck..showing strange resistance values across the board.

Three hours later:

After two and a half hours of pulling my hair out, I decided to do another
check of the solder to make SURE that I didn't make a mistake. A bit of
digging turned up the ORGANIC=WATER SOLUBLE. The values I'm seeing and the
corrosion of the RF board support this finding.

The first attempt was a q-tip and water. Second attempt was distilled water
and a toothbrush to help the process. Neither has proved helpful and I'm
still showing strange resistance values from the collector to ground on Q6,
7 and 8, high current warning on keying. Voltage checks show within specs
for RF board during receive.

So now I sit with a defunct K2, any suggestions for what I can try before I
order K2-Part Deux would be appreciated.

Lessons learned: Throw away all unknown solder before you start. Don't use
organic core solder.

John

KD7ZYR

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Ron D'Eau Claire-2

RE: Organic Rosin Core Solder

Wow Joe!!!

Rosin is extracted from tree sap - Pine trees mostly. It's "organic" and
water soluble by definition. The "water soluble" doesn't refer to the
solder, only the rosin.

Something else happened to your K2 besides using an "organic" core solder.

Maybe accidentally using an acid flux instead of rosin would do that.
Perhaps a mis-marked roll of solder?

I've never gotten acid flux anywhere near a PC board, or any other
electronics for that matter, but my impression was that the damage it does
takes months, at least.

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
Just a friendly warning to those who may not know the exact origin of their
solder. I used a Kester solder that was labeled "organic rosin core" on my
K2 (only 75% of the RF board) while I was waiting for a re-supply order to
come in.

Fast forward one week:

Minus one sloppy joint, my K2 fired up and was putting out the expected
power during part three of alignment. Big whoop of satisfaction follows.
Completed kit build with no issues.yet.

Fast forward two weeks:

Turned on the K2 to do some listening, upon hitting the tune button, I see
the High Current warning. After pulling apart the K2 again, I notice that
75% of the solder joints on the RF board seem to be suffering from some sort
of corrosion. Attempted to clean small portion with alcohol, very little
luck..showing strange resistance values across the board.

Three hours later:

After two and a half hours of pulling my hair out, I decided to do another
check of the solder to make SURE that I didn't make a mistake. A bit of
digging turned up the ORGANIC=WATER SOLUBLE. The values I'm seeing and the
corrosion of the RF board support this finding.

The first attempt was a q-tip and water. Second attempt was distilled water
and a toothbrush to help the process. Neither has proved helpful and I'm
still showing strange resistance values from the collector to ground on Q6,
7 and 8, high current warning on keying. Voltage checks show within specs
for RF board during receive.

So now I sit with a defunct K2, any suggestions for what I can try before I
order K2-Part Deux would be appreciated.

Lessons learned: Throw away all unknown solder before you start. Don't use
organic core solder.

John

KD7ZYR

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W7RY

Re: Organic Rosin Core Solder

In reply to this post by John Bonk-2

I would think you could use a good solder sucker and suck all the bad
solder off the board.

Then re-do all joints with the correct solder.

Are you sure it's really corrosion? Seems odd that the solder would
corrode. Solder is for soldering brass, silver, copper, tin and etc... Why
would it corrode the elements that it's designed to work with?

What is the stated purpose for water soluble flux in led/tin solder?

Interesting discussion..

73
Jim W7RY
K2 4914

At 01:56 PM 5/14/2005, John Bonk wrote:

>Just a friendly warning to those who may not know the exact origin of their
>solder. I used a Kester solder that was labeled "organic rosin core" on my
>K2 (only 75% of the RF board) while I was waiting for a re-supply order to
>come in.
>
>
>
>Fast forward one week:
>
>
>
>Minus one sloppy joint, my K2 fired up and was putting out the expected
>power during part three of alignment. Big whoop of satisfaction follows.
>Completed kit build with no issues.yet.
>
>
>
>Fast forward two weeks:
>
>
>
>Turned on the K2 to do some listening, upon hitting the tune button, I see
>the High Current warning. After pulling apart the K2 again, I notice that
>75% of the solder joints on the RF board seem to be suffering from some sort
>of corrosion. Attempted to clean small portion with alcohol, very little
>luck..showing strange resistance values across the board.
>
>
>
>Three hours later:
>
>
>
>After two and a half hours of pulling my hair out, I decided to do another
>check of the solder to make SURE that I didn't make a mistake. A bit of
>digging turned up the ORGANIC=WATER SOLUBLE. The values I'm seeing and the
>corrosion of the RF board support this finding.
>
>
>
>The first attempt was a q-tip and water. Second attempt was distilled water
>and a toothbrush to help the process. Neither has proved helpful and I'm
>still showing strange resistance values from the collector to ground on Q6,
>7 and 8, high current warning on keying. Voltage checks show within specs
>for RF board during receive.
>
>
>
>So now I sit with a defunct K2, any suggestions for what I can try before I
>order K2-Part Deux would be appreciated.
>
>
>
>Lessons learned: Throw away all unknown solder before you start. Don't use
>organic core solder.
>
>
>
>John
>
>KD7ZYR
>
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>Elecraft mailing list
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Don Wilhelm-3

RE: Organic Rosin Core Solder

In reply to this post by John Bonk-2

John,

I am so sorry to hear of your incident -
I don't know how successful you would be, it will depend on the extent of
the corrosion spread, but a scrub with a fine wire brush and alcohol mmight
take the remaining corrosive stuff away, but there still is a chance that
there will always be some residual, so I would follow the scrubbing with
de-soldering every joint and resoldering. Maybe time to invest in a Hakko
de-soldering gun. It certainly is a lot of work, and yes these extreme
measures could cause some damage, but it sounds like right now it is already
damaged and even though you might break something in the process, you have
little to lose and a chance to gain everything.

I would try approaching the Tech Support folks at Kester, and provide them
with any coding information that you can find on the solder and perhaps they
could suggest a proper solvent that will not harm the relays and inductors.
If the solder is to blame, and it was mis-marked as rosin core (organic or
not), I might be moved to suggest to them that they buy a new K2 - but the
'fine print' probably limits their liability to replacement of the solder
roll, but who knows what they will do if you ask the right party.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
>
> Just a friendly warning to those who may not know the exact
> origin of their
> solder. I used a Kester solder that was labeled "organic rosin
> core" on my
> K2 (only 75% of the RF board) while I was waiting for a re-supply order to
> come in.
>
>
>
> Fast forward one week:
>
>
>
> Minus one sloppy joint, my K2 fired up and was putting out the expected
> power during part three of alignment. Big whoop of satisfaction follows.
> Completed kit build with no issues.yet.
>
>
>
> Fast forward two weeks:
>
>
>
> Turned on the K2 to do some listening, upon hitting the tune button, I see
> the High Current warning. After pulling apart the K2 again, I notice that
> 75% of the solder joints on the RF board seem to be suffering
> from some sort
> of corrosion. Attempted to clean small portion with alcohol, very little
> luck..showing strange resistance values across the board.
>
>
>
> Three hours later:
>
>
>
> After two and a half hours of pulling my hair out, I decided to do another
> check of the solder to make SURE that I didn't make a mistake. A bit of
> digging turned up the ORGANIC=WATER SOLUBLE. The values I'm
> seeing and the
> corrosion of the RF board support this finding.
>
>
>
> The first attempt was a q-tip and water. Second attempt was
> distilled water
> and a toothbrush to help the process. Neither has proved helpful and I'm
> still showing strange resistance values from the collector to
> ground on Q6,
> 7 and 8, high current warning on keying. Voltage checks show within specs
> for RF board during receive.
>
>
>
> So now I sit with a defunct K2, any suggestions for what I can
> try before I
> order K2-Part Deux would be appreciated.
>
>
>
> Lessons learned: Throw away all unknown solder before you start.
> Don't use
> organic core solder.
>
>
>
> John
>
> KD7ZYR
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
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John Bonk-2

RE: Organic Rosin Core Solder

In reply to this post by Ron D'Eau Claire-2

Ron,

I'll try to find the page I reference, but it definitely said water-soluble.
I can see the residue on the board, and the DMM shows a path across the
"gunk". The corrosion seems to be returning also; only 16 hours after the
last brushing.

John

-----Original Message-----
From: Ron D'Eau Claire [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Saturday, May 14, 2005 2:05 PM
To: 'John Bonk'; [hidden email]
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Organic Rosin Core Solder

Wow Joe!!!

Rosin is extracted from tree sap - Pine trees mostly. It's "organic" and
water soluble by definition. The "water soluble" doesn't refer to the
solder, only the rosin.

Something else happened to your K2 besides using an "organic" core solder.

Maybe accidentally using an acid flux instead of rosin would do that.
Perhaps a mis-marked roll of solder?

I've never gotten acid flux anywhere near a PC board, or any other
electronics for that matter, but my impression was that the damage it does
takes months, at least.

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
Just a friendly warning to those who may not know the exact origin of their
solder. I used a Kester solder that was labeled "organic rosin core" on my
K2 (only 75% of the RF board) while I was waiting for a re-supply order to
come in.

Fast forward one week:

Minus one sloppy joint, my K2 fired up and was putting out the expected
power during part three of alignment. Big whoop of satisfaction follows.
Completed kit build with no issues.yet.

Fast forward two weeks:

Turned on the K2 to do some listening, upon hitting the tune button, I see
the High Current warning. After pulling apart the K2 again, I notice that
75% of the solder joints on the RF board seem to be suffering from some sort
of corrosion. Attempted to clean small portion with alcohol, very little
luck..showing strange resistance values across the board.

Three hours later:

After two and a half hours of pulling my hair out, I decided to do another
check of the solder to make SURE that I didn't make a mistake. A bit of
digging turned up the ORGANIC=WATER SOLUBLE. The values I'm seeing and the
corrosion of the RF board support this finding.

The first attempt was a q-tip and water. Second attempt was distilled water
and a toothbrush to help the process. Neither has proved helpful and I'm
still showing strange resistance values from the collector to ground on Q6,
7 and 8, high current warning on keying. Voltage checks show within specs
for RF board during receive.

So now I sit with a defunct K2, any suggestions for what I can try before I
order K2-Part Deux would be appreciated.

Lessons learned: Throw away all unknown solder before you start. Don't use
organic core solder.

John

KD7ZYR

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John Bonk-2

RE: Organic Rosin Core Solder

In reply to this post by W7RY

It's possible that it's not corrosion at all....could be the just the
leftovers drying up. It's not showing up like that on the PCB though....you
have to catch it in the light just right.....

-John

-----Original Message-----
From: Jim W7RY [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Saturday, May 14, 2005 2:07 PM
To: John Bonk; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Organic Rosin Core Solder

I would think you could use a good solder sucker and suck all the bad
solder off the board.

Then re-do all joints with the correct solder.

Are you sure it's really corrosion? Seems odd that the solder would
corrode. Solder is for soldering brass, silver, copper, tin and etc... Why
would it corrode the elements that it's designed to work with?

What is the stated purpose for water soluble flux in led/tin solder?

Interesting discussion..

73
Jim W7RY
K2 4914

At 01:56 PM 5/14/2005, John Bonk wrote:

sort

>of corrosion. Attempted to clean small portion with alcohol, very little
>luck..showing strange resistance values across the board.
>
>
>
>Three hours later:
>
>
>
>After two and a half hours of pulling my hair out, I decided to do another
>check of the solder to make SURE that I didn't make a mistake. A bit of
>digging turned up the ORGANIC=WATER SOLUBLE. The values I'm seeing and the
>corrosion of the RF board support this finding.
>
>
>
>The first attempt was a q-tip and water. Second attempt was distilled

water

>and a toothbrush to help the process. Neither has proved helpful and I'm
>still showing strange resistance values from the collector to ground on Q6,
>7 and 8, high current warning on keying. Voltage checks show within specs
>for RF board during receive.
>
>
>
>So now I sit with a defunct K2, any suggestions for what I can try before I
>order K2-Part Deux would be appreciated.
>
>
>
>Lessons learned: Throw away all unknown solder before you start. Don't

use

>organic core solder.
>
>
>
>John
>
>KD7ZYR
>
>_______________________________________________
>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

AD5MA

Re: Organic Rosin Core Solder

In reply to this post by John Bonk-2

John,

Sorry to hear about these problems. Are you sure it's corrosion?

This doesn't seem likely in the short amount of time. Can you actually see
the copper being "eaten" away?

What you might be seeing is some kind of residue.

Al.

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Bonk" <[hidden email]>
To: "'Ron D'Eau Claire'" <[hidden email]>; <[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, May 14, 2005 4:42 PM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Organic Rosin Core Solder

> Ron,
>
> I'll try to find the page I reference, but it definitely said
water-soluble.

> I can see the residue on the board, and the DMM shows a path across the
> "gunk". The corrosion seems to be returning also; only 16 hours after the
> last brushing.
>
> John
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ron D'Eau Claire [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Saturday, May 14, 2005 2:05 PM
> To: 'John Bonk'; [hidden email]
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Organic Rosin Core Solder
>
> Wow Joe!!!
>
> Rosin is extracted from tree sap - Pine trees mostly. It's "organic" and
> water soluble by definition. The "water soluble" doesn't refer to the
> solder, only the rosin.
>
> Something else happened to your K2 besides using an "organic" core solder.
>
> Maybe accidentally using an acid flux instead of rosin would do that.
> Perhaps a mis-marked roll of solder?
>
> I've never gotten acid flux anywhere near a PC board, or any other
> electronics for that matter, but my impression was that the damage it does
> takes months, at least.
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> Just a friendly warning to those who may not know the exact origin of

their
> solder. I used a Kester solder that was labeled "organic rosin core" on
my

> K2 (only 75% of the RF board) while I was waiting for a re-supply order to
> come in.
>
> Fast forward one week:
>
> Minus one sloppy joint, my K2 fired up and was putting out the expected
> power during part three of alignment. Big whoop of satisfaction follows.
> Completed kit build with no issues.yet.
>
> Fast forward two weeks:
>
> Turned on the K2 to do some listening, upon hitting the tune button, I see
> the High Current warning. After pulling apart the K2 again, I notice that
> 75% of the solder joints on the RF board seem to be suffering from some

sort
> of corrosion. Attempted to clean small portion with alcohol, very little
> luck..showing strange resistance values across the board.
>
> Three hours later:
>
> After two and a half hours of pulling my hair out, I decided to do another
> check of the solder to make SURE that I didn't make a mistake. A bit of
> digging turned up the ORGANIC=WATER SOLUBLE. The values I'm seeing and
the
> corrosion of the RF board support this finding.
>
> The first attempt was a q-tip and water. Second attempt was distilled
water
> and a toothbrush to help the process. Neither has proved helpful and I'm
> still showing strange resistance values from the collector to ground on
Q6,
> 7 and 8, high current warning on keying. Voltage checks show within specs
> for RF board during receive.
>
> So now I sit with a defunct K2, any suggestions for what I can try before
I
> order K2-Part Deux would be appreciated.
>
> Lessons learned: Throw away all unknown solder before you start. Don't
use

> organic core solder.
>
> John
>
> KD7ZYR
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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
>

David F. Reed

Re: Organic Rosin Core Solder

In reply to this post by W7RY

Folks;

It would seem to me to not be from rosin or resin core solder; if it is
corrosion, it sounds more like acid core solder; perhaps it was mislabeled.

The term organic unfortunately is frequently misused; all hydrocarbons
are organic right? Water soluble? I assume the flux, as in wash after
soldering?

Flux is typically to form a layer that on the surface that inhibits the
immediate corrosion (due to the higher temperature of the melted solder)
and help it wick to the untinned surface you are trying to solder to I
think.

73 de W5SV, Dave

Jim W7RY wrote:

> I would think you could use a good solder sucker and suck all the bad
> solder off the board.
>
> Then re-do all joints with the correct solder.
>
> Are you sure it's really corrosion? Seems odd that the solder would
> corrode. Solder is for soldering brass, silver, copper, tin and etc...
> Why would it corrode the elements that it's designed to work with?
>
> What is the stated purpose for water soluble flux in led/tin solder?
>

KK7P

Re: Organic Rosin Core Solder

In reply to this post by AD5MA

First of all, you are correct, it is corrosion. I have used plenty of
Kester Organic Core Solder, Flux 331. I still use it a lot.

The rules I follow are:

1) note the time the first solder joint is made.

2) not more than 1 hour later I take the work in progress to the sink
and run lots of hot water over it. Sometimes I use an old toothbrush to
be sure things are scrubbed clean.

My friend who builds spacecraft flight boards uses a 30-minute timer
rather than 1 hour.

3) I then dry the board and continue building, restarting the clock at
step (1) with the next solder connection.

***

I have had some luck cleaning up neglected, starting-to-corrode solder
joints by resoldering them with yet more flux and then thoroughly
rinsing with hot (tap) water. Alcohol doesn't work with this stuff, you
need warm-to-hot water. This may not work, but the grainy gray-green
corrosion will only get worse with time, so the additional risk is slight.

/* lawyer speak on

Naturally, the risk is yours and I am not advocating anything here!
This is not advice. It is only an indication of what I might do, not
what you should do.

/*lawyer speak off

A final point: never use this type of flux when soldering stranded wire.
It will wick up into the wire, you cannot clean it, and the wire joint
will corrode and fail. Probably on Field Day...

Enjoy!

Lyle KK7P

PS - this is *not* an endorsement or even a suggestion to use water
soluble flux!!! LJ

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W0YG, Charlie Summers

Re: Organic Rosin Core Solder

In reply to this post by John Bonk-2

John:

Sorry to hear of your problem when your project went along so well. Gary
recommended to me to use Acetone to clean off solder resin. You might try
that to see if it cuts the apparent tarnish.

Sounds like you might have to redo every solder joint on the RF board after
removing as much of the offending solder as possible.

73,

Charlie, W0YG..>>

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Ron D'Eau Claire-2

RE: Organic Rosin Core Solder

In reply to this post by John Bonk-2

You piqued my curiosity John. Since I'm still using spools of Kester solder
that I bought many, many years ago I haven't kept current with the latest
stuff.

Looking at their web site (www.kester.com) I see they have a non-rosin
"organic" flux that apparently is designed for electronics (so it won't be
acid!). I can see why they'd feature it being water-soluble if it isn't
rosin. However, that stuff should not cause corrosion! They have a variety
of "electronic" solder products, some rosin core and some not. And, of
course, they make non-electronic solders that probably do have acid flux.

I'd suggest contacting their Hq by phone or e-mail. They have contact info
on the web site, and give them the spool info you have and ask them what's
going on.

I agree with Don's suggestions. If you approach it nicely but firmly that
quite obviously something is very wrong with that solder and they discover
it is a mis-marked roll or some other fault of theirs, you might get a new
K2 out of them in the bargain. At the very least you can get some good info
about how to stabilize it.

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
From: John Bonk [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Saturday, May 14, 2005 2:42 PM
To: 'Ron D'Eau Claire'; [hidden email]
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Organic Rosin Core Solder

Ron,

I'll try to find the page I reference, but it definitely said water-soluble.
I can see the residue on the board, and the DMM shows a path across the
"gunk". The corrosion seems to be returning also; only 16 hours after the
last brushing.

John

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Larry Makoski W2LJ

Re: Organic Rosin Core Solder

In reply to this post by KK7P

Lyle,

I ask this in all seriousness; and with no disrespect. But am I missing
something here? Why would folks use this stuff if it's such a pain in
the butt?

73 de Larry W2LJ

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David A. Belsley

Re: Organic Rosin Core Solder

In reply to this post by KK7P

Lyle:
As a matter of interest, what are the possible advantages of such a
solder that would warrant such special, unusual, and awkward attention?

thanks,

dave, w1euy

On May 14, 2005, at 6:26 PM, Lyle Johnson wrote:

> First of all, you are correct, it is corrosion. I have used plenty of
> Kester Organic Core Solder, Flux 331. I still use it a lot.
>
> The rules I follow are:
>
> 1) note the time the first solder joint is made.
>
> 2) not more than 1 hour later I take the work in progress to the sink
> and run lots of hot water over it. Sometimes I use an old toothbrush
> to be sure things are scrubbed clean.
>
> My friend who builds spacecraft flight boards uses a 30-minute timer
> rather than 1 hour.
>
> 3) I then dry the board and continue building, restarting the clock at
> step (1) with the next solder connection.
>
> ***
>
> I have had some luck cleaning up neglected, starting-to-corrode solder
> joints by resoldering them with yet more flux and then thoroughly
> rinsing with hot (tap) water. Alcohol doesn't work with this stuff,
> you need warm-to-hot water. This may not work, but the grainy
> gray-green corrosion will only get worse with time, so the additional
> risk is slight.
>
> /* lawyer speak on
>
> Naturally, the risk is yours and I am not advocating anything here!
> This is not advice. It is only an indication of what I might do, not
> what you should do.
>
> /*lawyer speak off
>
> A final point: never use this type of flux when soldering stranded
> wire. It will wick up into the wire, you cannot clean it, and the
> wire joint will corrode and fail. Probably on Field Day...
>
> Enjoy!
>
> Lyle KK7P
>
> PS - this is *not* an endorsement or even a suggestion to use water
> soluble flux!!! LJ
>
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Vic K2VCO

Re: Organic Rosin Core Solder

In reply to this post by Larry Makoski W2LJ

Larry Makoski W2LJ wrote:

> I ask this in all seriousness; and with no disrespect. But am I missing
> something here? Why would folks use this stuff if it's such a pain in
> the butt?

I believe that it's normally used with automated soldering equipment, and the
boards are washed in a hot water bath after soldering. I presume (I'm sure Lyle
or someone knows for sure) that the advantage is that the flux can be removed
without using environmentally dangerous solvents.

--
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco

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Don Brown-4

Re: Organic Rosin Core Solder

In reply to this post by W0YG, Charlie Summers

Hi

This sounds like water soluble flux. This stuff needs to be cleaned off as
soon as possible or it will cause corrosion. Normally is is cleaned in
distilled water in a special washing machine. I would suggest placing your
circuit boards in the dishwasher and run it through the normal cycle.
Alcohol, acetone or other petroleum based cleaners will not work on this
flux it is designed to be cleaned with water. This stuff is difficult to use
without the proper techniques. Use the recommended rosin core flux and
cleaning is a non issue.

Don Brown

KD5NDB

----- Original Message -----
From: "W0YG, Charlie Summers" <[hidden email]>
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, May 14, 2005 5:38 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Organic Rosin Core Solder

> John:
>
> Sorry to hear of your problem when your project went along so well. Gary
> recommended to me to use Acetone to clean off solder resin. You might try
> that to see if it cuts the apparent tarnish.
>
> Sounds like you might have to redo every solder joint on the RF board
> after
> removing as much of the offending solder as possible.
>
> 73,
>
> Charlie, W0YG..>>
>
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>

KK7P

Re: Organic Rosin Core Solder

In reply to this post by Vic K2VCO

>> I ask this in all seriousness; and with no disrespect. But am I
>> missing something here? Why would folks use this stuff if it's such a
>> pain in the butt?
>
> I believe that it's normally used with automated soldering equipment,
> and the boards are washed in a hot water bath after soldering. I
> presume (I'm sure Lyle or someone knows for sure) that the advantage is
> that the flux can be removed without using environmentally dangerous
> solvents.

That's correct. Water is an environmentally friendly solvent (at least
for now :-)

It does an excellent job of cleaning the surfaces to be soldered.

It cleans well (as long as you do it quickly!), so joints can be
inspected. It is (or was) not considered hazardous. It acts like soap -
you get suds as you wash/scrub the board.

It is not recommended for kit building because of the dangers of
corrosion. In automated work,the boards are exposed to the flux, then a
wave of molten solder, over a period of some few to tens of seconds. It
is then rinsed thoroughly.

The organic cored solder was probably intended mostly for touch-up and
rework.

73,

Lyle KK7P

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Sandy W5TVW

Re: Organic Rosin Core Solder

In reply to this post by Don Brown-4

A water soulable flux would be absolutely a disaster in this humid place! You';d
wind up with leakage paths you'd NEVER be able to trace out! I hear the Europeans
in places have banned solder with lead!

I think electronics people and bullet casters will have to have a special permit
or license to possess lead before long! (If the environmental whackos have
their way! The anti-gun folks will jump on this bandwagon too, be assured!)

73,
Sandy W5TVW
----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Brown" <[hidden email]>
To: "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, May 14, 2005 6:34 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Organic Rosin Core Solder

| Hi
|
| This sounds like water soluble flux. This stuff needs to be cleaned off as
| soon as possible or it will cause corrosion. Normally is is cleaned in
| distilled water in a special washing machine. I would suggest placing your
| circuit boards in the dishwasher and run it through the normal cycle.
| Alcohol, acetone or other petroleum based cleaners will not work on this
| flux it is designed to be cleaned with water. This stuff is difficult to use
| without the proper techniques. Use the recommended rosin core flux and
| cleaning is a non issue.
|
| Don Brown
|
| KD5NDB
|
|
| ----- Original Message -----
| From: "W0YG, Charlie Summers" <[hidden email]>
| To: "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]>
| Sent: Saturday, May 14, 2005 5:38 PM
| Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Organic Rosin Core Solder
|
|
| > John:
| >
| > Sorry to hear of your problem when your project went along so well. Gary
| > recommended to me to use Acetone to clean off solder resin. You might try
| > that to see if it cuts the apparent tarnish.
| >
| > Sounds like you might have to redo every solder joint on the RF board
| > after
| > removing as much of the offending solder as possible.
| >
| > 73,
| >
| > Charlie, W0YG..>>
| >
| > _______________________________________________
| > 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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|
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