Hi Patrick, One problem with solder joints on antennas is the junction between the stiff, soldered portion and the non-soldered wire. I have had these junctions crack and break due to flexing in the wind. The solder joint was unaffected, but the antenna broke right at one end or the other of the joint. I've even had it happen inside of adhesive-filled heat shrink over the joint.
I *do* prefer soldering over a mechanical connection; it just bugs me to think that I might lose a weak signal due to a corroding mechanical joint. Have you ever experienced this type of failure I describe in your antennas? Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA ------------------------------ Message: 8 Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2007 20:28:47 -0700 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Patrick Martin) Subject: Re: [IRCA] Antenna Soldering, revisited To: [email protected] (Mailing list for the International Radio Club of America) Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII Charles, Will a Western Union splice last as long as a soldered one.? I always fiqured soldering a splice and then covering it with good electrical plastic tape was the best way to go. With the wet and windy weather I don't want to end up with a bad splice in the storms. We have wind gusts to 120 MPH out here at times. With a soldered splice, there is no way that will work loose in time. At least I have not had any trouble with them as long as I get the wire hot enough for a good splice. That has been the problem with the little butane soldering pencils in the Winter. It is hard to get them hot enough in 45 degree weather and the wind blowing. Now the 100 watt solder gun, no problem at all. As far as the slack in the wire, I have some on this end and I can easily pull it through to the end if need be. I just have the wire going through loops all the way. It is totally loose, so it is easy enough to pull back and get the slack. If I run short of wire, I can always add some more on this end. That is easy. I do have a number of good splices in it anyway. 73, Patrick Patrick Martin KAVT Reception Manager _______________________________________________ IRCA mailing list [email protected] http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: [email protected]
