[Elecraft] FYI: IC Sockets Tin or Gold plated contacts

[Don Wilhelm]

Dave and all,

Even though gold is the standard comparison metal on most galvanic scale
charts, there is a real and valid concern about gold/solder connections -
especially with low contact pressures.  Several computer applications have
had problems with this condition.  If the contact pressure is sufficient to
exclude air (oxygen mainly) the concern is minimal, but the myth that gold
plated connectors are better is subject to a long list of "IFs" (I do not
use gold plated RF connectors unless I mate them only with gold).

See http://www.stabilant.com/appnt21h.htm for one view on the subject -
these folks sell "Stabilant" products which are electrical contact
stabilizers - and they recommend only gold to gold or solder to solder
unless the connection point is air-tight.

73,
Don W3FPR

----- Original Message -----

> Gold is a very inactive metal, and, without any real expertise, were I
> forced to, I would bet that any galvanic activity between tin and gold is
> essentially zero. I have no doubt that, in principle, Trevor's engineer is
> correct.  But I suspect the practical content of his remarks are nil.  I'd
> love, however, to hear from someone who really knows.
>
>