[R-390] WTF What The Flux?

[Glenn Scott]

I have been pleased to see that manywho use this reflector already have and use the Hakko 808 or similardesoldering tools. I have tried to share, from time to time, toolsand ideas that have helped me in my R 390 series receiver work.Personally, I would enjoy seeing more post about techniques othershave found helpful in their endeavors,


WTF  What The Flux.
On a recent visit to youtubeI ran across an old video on soldering techniques from the late 60's.For giggles, I decided to watch it and ran across part of the videotalking about Solder Flux, where the narrator suggested NOT to useZinc Chloride, ZnCl, flux for electronics soldering. Although, thatseemed to make reference to Printed Circuit Board, PCB, work. I amnot a Chemist but wouldn't ZnCl be Ph neutral and not either acidicor alkali?


Like all of us, I use a goodquality Rosin core solder but I also have both Rosin and ZnCl pastethat I use occasionally for P2P work. Most of the time, I use theRosin paste if I need a little more help in getting the solder toflow on multiple connection points where there are 3 or morewires/leads coming together.. However, sometimes the ZnCl paste isVERY handy and does a fantastic job of getting good flow and nicebright, CLEAN joints on post where 4 or more components merge.


So, what do others thinkabout ZnCl as a solder paste for Point to Point electronics work. Ihave seen no problems associated with using this paste whatsoever.Even in work done on modules/electronics       from years ago.


73,
WA4AOS  Glenn  
DSM Labs (dot com)