[Elecraft] OT: a quick question about solder

[d.cutter at ntlworld.com]

Hi Paul

I think it will soon be impossible to buy any electronic apparatus built using machine soldering that is NOT RoHS compliant.  That will cover all manufacturing: amateur, professional, domestic, military.  The manufacture of parts has swung that way and soldering baths have been re-filled with lead-free solder.  Anything not lead-free must be made on a separate production line and it will soon be uneconomic to run two lines in the same factory because the parts will not be available.

I think you will have a tough time finding a manufacturer who can tell you they do not use RoHS components.  Of course if they have stock left over, you have a chance, but that can only be on older designs.  All new designs will use RoHS-compliant parts.

Pretty much all of EU is now RoHS and we buy most of our parts from the East.  I don't know the situation in the US but I can't see them being able to make a non-RoHS compliant product when the big eastern suppliers turn to RoHS compliance. 

I am intrigued to know what it is about the RoHS process that you don't like.

David
G3UNA


---- paul alexander <wb9ipa at gmail.com> wrote: 
> Before purchasing my K3, I e-mailed Elecraft and specifically asked if
> the K3 was built on a RoHS process.  I was told that units destined
> for the US were built using leaded solder.  My concern was that I did
> not want a radio built using a RoHS process and this was a reason for
> purchasing the K3 rather than something else.  I hope I was not given
> incorrect information.
> 
> Paul Alexander
> wb9ipa
>