"Two countries separated by a common language." I believe "tag washer"
is a "solder lug" on our side of the Atlantic. I think Alan might mean
the screw connection on that lug becoming intermittent due to oxidation
and/or inadequate tightening. Generally speaking, cold solder joints
are "cold" immediately after the soldering process and don't develop
later, although I've seen that happen due to very minor extended
vibration of the joint.
73,
Fred ("Skip") K6DGW
Sparks NV USA
Washoe County DM09dn
On 5/4/2017 9:43 AM, Matt Zilmer wrote:
Sorry to be thick.... Is a dry joint same as a cold joint?
Thanks and 73,
matt W6NIA
On 5/4/2017 9:12 AM, Alan. G4GNX wrote:
FWIW we thought that a relay was failing on our club's KAT500. I
bought a new one from Elecraft and replaced it without thinking about
it. They're quite cheap and it wasn't worth chancing an intermittent
relay.
Whilst I was re-assembling the tuner, I discovered that the tag
washer connecting Ant 1 to its screw terminal had developed a dry
joint, which was the real cause of the intermittency. I don't know
whether it was a manufacturing fault or someone had been heavy handed
when assembling it.
It would be worth checking soldered joints and other connections
before replacing a relay. You may need to use a magnifying glass as
it may not show up on a meter test. Another thing to try is what we
used to do as service technicians; use an aerosol freezer spray in
small areas around the suspected area and possibly a hair dryer on a
warm setting (not hot) and observe for changes under test.
73,
Alan. G4GNX
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