[Elecraft] Re: Multicore vs. multiflux

[Tom Hammond]

At 04:59 PM 3/2/04, Stuart Rohre wrote:
>Way back in the beginning of Elecraft, they found that the no clean 
>solders left some residues that could be problematical on the type of 
>circuits we have in the K2.
>
>No clean solders are a kind of misnomer, in that they expect industrial 
>applications to wash the boards after wave soldering with this kind of flux.
>
>The conventional 63/ 37 5 core would be good, and I am presently using the 
>SN 63 Multicore.  I still have and use Savbit alloy and that is excellent 
>for plated tips, keeps them from corroding.

I believe you're thinking of the Watr-Soluable flux solders, Stuart. Most 
of the 'No-Clean' solders are only different by the amount (1.0%-1.1%) flux 
they contain in their core(s). Most modern solders contain between 2.0% and 
3.0% flux.

The No-clean solders seem to be OK for experienced builders, who already 
know how to make a really good solder joint and what it should look like. 
However, a good 2.2% flux solder is probably a better all-around choice for 
general building by all of us. Minimal residue while still providing enough 
flux to allow for adequate 'wetting' of the joint prior to soldering.

73,

Tom   N0SS