[Elecraft] Soldering crimped connectors is not a good thing.

[Michael Blake]

Thanks Jim.  I will give you my best answer as it related to our Bell System/Bell Telephone Labs tests done prior to our total conversation to crimped and wire wrapped connections.

1. No, soldering doe not create a molecular connection but is (memory suffers here) an amalgam which changes over time as components of the solder leech out.  When new the soldered connection has a very slightly higher resistance than the properly crimped connection.

2.  Not sure as we did not attempt to remedy a known problem when it could be avoided with no negative results.  I suspect the answer is no as the contaminates within the soldered connection will continue to leech out over time.

5  The properly crimped connect has the lowest and most stable resistance over time.

Thanks for your interest Jim.


Michael Blake
K9JRI




> On Nov 5, 2015, at 10:34 AM, jim <jbollit at outlook.com> wrote:
> 
> Questions:
> 
> 1.  Does soldering make a molecular, gas tight connection?
> 2.  Cant you clean the soldered connection with a solution that is a base to
> neutralize the acid.
> 3.  It does stiffen the wire
> 4.  Same as three.
> 5.  Which method has the lowest resistance, measuring with a short piece or
> wire length to have the connector system dominate the measurement?
> 
> Jim
> W6AIM
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of
> Michael Blake
> Sent: Thursday, November 5, 2015 7:19 AM
> To: Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: [Elecraft] Soldering crimped connectors is not a good thing.
> 
> While many people recommend soldering crimped connectors, such as Anderson
> Power Poles, it is not a very good idea.  The reason(s) it is neither
> required, nor desired, is partially as follows:
> 
> 1. A PROPERLY crimped connection creates a molecular bond between the
> conductor and the connector that is more conductive than soldering.
> 2. The soldering process causes corrosion because even rosin core solder is
> slightly acidic.
> 3. The solder that flows into or onto the conductor (wire) causes it to
> stiffen and increases the probability that vibration or movement will cause
> the wire to break at that point.
> 4. The annealing of the copper wire is altered which also increases the
> possibility of wire breakage due to vibration or movement.
> 
> It is absolutely necessary that the proper tool be used for the connection
> being crimped.  If you are going to use a crimped connection it is
> imperative that you have a tool that matches the connector.  If you do not
> have the proper tool then DO NOT use crimped connections.
> 
> Michael Blake
> k9jri at outlook.com
> 
> 
> 
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