[Elecraft] soldering - reliability long term

[David Cutter]

A colleague used to work for a tv manufacturer and they had a recurrent problem with tvs going sick after a few months.  It was traced to solder joints not made correctly.  Their soldering technique was satisfactory and the component manufacturers came over from Japan to investigate why the leads of the components were not always taking solder correctly.  

Turned out they had just fitted a new soap dispenser in the ladies' and filled it with soap containing lanolin.  This makes hands nice and soft but transferred to component leads it prevents solder making proper contact.  

Before soldering, wash your hands with pure soap and do not use creams etc.

On a similar theme, do not let silicone sprays or lubricants/grease anywhere near your shack/property/planet.  That stuff should be banned.  It stops anything sticking to anything and I don't know of a solvent.

David
G3UNA