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0007092553H80

Joined: Sat, Apr 4th 1998, 00:00 Roles: N/A Moderates: N/A

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Removing Corrosion from copper wire Aug 23rd 2011, 13:20 7 10,214 on 28/8/11

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Removing Corrosion from copper wire 0007092553H80 on 23/8/11
Zack,

I appreciate the prompt reply and appreciate the suggestion. I had thought of this possibility, but have never had any problems before even when soldering RG8 braid to a PL259 coax connector.

I am using a weller 140 watt gun with a brand new tip as well. I am, however using 60/40 resin core solder that is fairly thin (I had run out of the thicker stuff for heavier duty), so my next step - besides trying to find a better way of removing the corrosion - was going to be a trip to the electronics store to replenish my roll of thicker solder.

Meantime, I'd appreciate your thoughts about the thickness, although I have always been able to get good results simply by using a longer piece of the thinner solder. You might also ask around, if you don't mind, about the compatibility of the copper pot cleaners with electronic applications.

Agn, Tnx es 73,

N4PO, Arlen
Removing Corrosion from copper wire 0007092553H80 on 23/8/11
I have a coil of "new" stranded copper wire that I bought several years ago and didn't use at the time.

I need to repair a dipole antenna that came down in a tornado (a tree fell on it) and noticed that there is some corrosion which prevents the wire from wicking the solder for a good clean tinning/solder job.

A fellow ham in the area suggested using either distilled vinegar or ammonia to remove the corrosion. I did a test using both and used a solution of baking soda to neutralize the process after soaking the test pieces overnight. I found that neither worked - the copper looked clean enough, but it still did not wick the solder and the solder on the surface had the appearance of a typical cold solder joint..

Someone who works with silver solder on jewelry suggested using hydrochloric acid, but I don't trust using a corrosive acid again.

Asking ASK.COM, I saw a suggestion to use one of the copper cleaners for copper clad cooking pots. I haven't tried it yet and wondered if anyone would care to share experience with this or another method. I wonder if the wire would have to be unbraided to be able to clean the inside ot the strand.

Any and all suggestions will be appreciated!

Arlen Morgan - n4po
(n4po@juno.com)

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