Don't forget about ROHS solder.
Leonard K. Pennock
AD7AS
Those who walk bravely through life, unafraid of loss or failure,
find that they very rarely lose or fail.
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On 9/9/22 12:16, N2PQW - David wrote:
I really don't want to be insulting to anyone, but I'm stunned that so much misinformation still exists over this VERY well discussed issue.
I mentioned in a previous post, /g/FT-857/message/52119 , that the true fault has nothing to do with the heat in a vehicle, nor UV rays nor heat from the Sun (not unless the temperature in your vehicle gets high enough to flow solder, usually over 600¡ãF!).
The actual problem is open solder joints between the ribbon cable contacts and the circuit board. These are tiny and thin, basically surface-mount interfaces, but still only solder connections, and not adhesive, little sponges, or magic pixie dust.
The failure might certainly be worsened by vibration, but there have been enough failures on home-based units to rule that out as a primary cause.
Here's a photo of the ACTUAL connections:
/g/FT-857/message/52120
Extending the"life"? I say don't worry about it, do nothing different, use this fantastic and rugged radio anyway you want, and just fix the problem if it occurs (or have it fixed by a pro).
Cheers All,
David / N2PQW
