[Elecraft] What is this stuff??

[Greg Beat]

Jerry -

Let me follow-up on the answer provided by Robert, F5UL.
The Kester HQ is about 7 miles north of my QTH (recently moved from Des 
Plaines, IL to Itasca, IL)

SN62PB36AG02
This number means the following:
SN62 - 62% Tin (Sn is Periodic Table designation for Tin)
PB36 - 36% Lead (Pb is Periodic Table designation for Lead)
AG02 - 2% Silver (Ag is Periodic Table designation for Silver)

While this is a "Silver Solder mixture" it is NOT the eutectic alloy mixture
The Melting temperature range (pasty state) is 354 - 372 degrees F ( 179 - 
189 degrees C)
This is a WIDE melting range (18 degrees F or 10 degrees C) -- rick of cold 
solder joints higher for technician with begineer-level skills.

Diameter: .015" is self explanatory.
This size is usually used for

Kester Part Number:  14-7150
This is VERY REVEALING.
The "14" is usually reserved for 1 LB rolls of SOLDER WIRE that has NO FLUX
http://www.kester.com/en-us/marketingdocs/ElectronicCatalogs/Electronic%20Assembly%20Materials%208-02-07.pdf

CONTACT Kester (or their catalog for this part number) -- for clarification 
and confirmaiton.
SOLID SODLER WIRE (with NO FLUX) IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR ELECTRONCI KIT 
CONSTRUCTION (Elecraft or anyone else).

What you WANT is a FLUX-CORED solder wire.
http://www.kester.com/Data%20Sheets/Cored%20Wire/RA/44%20Global%20(14Jun07).pdf

I would ONLY used a Kester "44" ROSIN FLUX products (highly active RA).
UPC numbers can be found on this web page for various offerings of the "44" 
Rosin Flux series
http://www.kester.com/en-us/products/prodcat_detail.aspx?pid=43
1 LB  Rolls

UPC:  24-6337-0007   0.015 diameter 63 / 37 - core size 66  *Euctectic*

UPC: 24-6337-0010    0.020 diameter 63 / 37  - core size 66 core *Eutectic* 
ON MY WORKBENCH

UPC: 24-6040-0010    0.020 diameter 60 / 40  - core size 66 core


Rosin "44"® is a high activity RA core flux designed for excellent instant 
wetting action, even on Nickel surfaces.  Although "44"® is a RA-based 
material, the residues are non-corrosive if not cleaned. Per J-STD-004, "44"® 
is classified as ROM1 flux.

The "44" designation is obviously shown (yellow/gold label common) on every 
1 pound role that Kester produces of it.
WAASCO WEB PAGE -- Kester 44
http://www.wassco.com/b44rosfluxso.html

Kester does have a very good web site for reference mateirals on their 
products.
Temperature Alloy Chart
http://www.kester.com/en-us/technical/alloy.aspx

Greg
W9GB

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "F5UL" <f5ul at orange.fr>
To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, October 13, 2007 1:22 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] What is this stuff??


> That is :
>
> Tin 62%
> Lead 36%
> Silver 2%
>
> Si it's safe for radio!
>
> F5UL - Robert DROGOUL
> Ref-Union - ARRL - EPC # 1952
> K2 4498 - SSB - KPA100 - KAT100
>
> Jerry wrorte :
> Hey gang:
>
> A friend drop off some solder he didn't need.     I'm having trouble 
> identifying it so figured I would ask you.
> Made by Kester !
> Date of Man.   is      July 02
> Part #             14-7150
> SN62PB36AG02
> Diameter is    .015
> I can't find anything on the internet.    Is this stuff safe to use for 
> radio ??
> Just curious
> Thanks and 73             Jerry    N0JRN
>
>
>
>
>