A recent Associated Press article discusses a topic that's received much
attention on this reflector: the negative consequences of
environmental restrictions on lead in solder for electronics. The
primary concern the article mentions is that tin, when in an alloy
absent of lead, promotes the spontaneous growth of tiny "tin whiskers"
that can short traces in circuit boards. Failures stemming from
whiskers are cited in electronics ranging from consumer items to
satellites. The article as it appeared in my local newspaper had a very
dramatic photo of whiskers on a tin-plated tuning capacitor.
http://www.theworldlink.com/articles/2007/10/06/news/doc4707c03901b23958789121.txt
I should note, for newcomers to the reflector, that Elecraft's list of
approved solders specifically cautions against using any that are lead
free:
http://www.elecraft.com/TechNotes/N0SS_SolderNotes/Elecraft-Recommended%20Solders%2009JAN2007.pdf
Dick, K0KK
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