[Robotgroup] lead free soldering advice

[Leslie Filip]

The following message is brought to you by Mr. Poo-Poo:

I was talking to an engineer friend who designs circuit boards for a  
living the other day. He gave me some advice about lead free solder -  
don't use it. Apparently the lead keeps crystalline "whisker"  
formations in check. He said the lead free solder starts to corrode  
immediately after use, and in the process forms microscopic  
conductive whiskers that grow over time, eventually shorting with  
other traces. It is for this reason that the US military forbids the  
use of lead free solder. Apparently they don't want equipment failing  
in the field. Neither do I. Although in truth I rarely use my  
equipment these days anyway, much less out in a field.

Bye now,
Mr. Poo-Poo