Get the Pb out? - Lead Free Solder

skrol
skrol Posts: 3,387
in DIY, Mods & Tweaks
With the recent moves to go lead free solder, I found this presentation to be an interesting read. Even in audio circles, we hear opinions on lead free, Ag, alloy solders.

http://nepp.nasa.gov/whisker/reference/tech_papers/2011-kostic-Pb-free.pdf

They seem to be trying to really push a point but there is very valid information concerning the use of lead free. I have seen some of this first hand.
Stan

Main 2ch:
Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

HT:
Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

Other stuff:
Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
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Comments

  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,560
    I have heard from more than one tech who just rails on the lead free solder. Most have said it is a good way to get a cold solder joint down the line (time frame like 6-8mo). I have never ever had any problems with Cardas and that is all I use, and it does have lead in it not the lead free they sell. Flows better and at a lower temp which can be a big plus.
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 7,658
    I just worked on an Arcam 350 receiver that had been soldered with lead free solder and it required the highest setting on the iron.
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  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,387
    I have been practicing removing and resoldering SMT devices using a hot air station. One board used solder with a much higher melting point. It was difficult not to destroy the traces at the higher temps.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
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  • headrott
    headrott Posts: 5,496
    Lead free is definately more difficult to deal with. I prefer the Quadeutectic Cardas solder.
    Relayer-Big-O-Poster.jpg
    Taken from a recent Audioholics reply regarding "Club Polk" and Polk speakers:
    "I'm yet to hear a Polk speaker that merits more than a sentence and 60 seconds discussion." :\
    My response is: If you need 60 seconds to respond in one sentence, you probably should't be evaluating Polk speakers.....

    "Green leaves reveal the heart spoken Khatru"- Jon Anderson

    "Have A Little Faith! And Everything You'll Face, Will Jump From Out Right On Into Place! Yeah! Take A Little Time! And Everything You'll Find, Will Move From Gloom Right On Into Shine!"- Arthur Lee
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