What Solder to use?

[johnjm22]

I'm about to rewire all the balanced connections in my studio with 2549 and Neutrik connectors. Before I start, I was just curious if there is such thing as good/bad solder. I usually use the cheap solder at Radio Shack, is this a bad thing? What's the optimal type/brand of solder for my situation?

Thanks in advance.

[Jim Williams]

Solder does matter. Can any of you imagine listening through a cable made of tin and lead, ouch!

I use SN62 2% silver for standard bench work, made by Ersyn MultiCore, availavble from Pacific Radio in Burbank, just south of Fry's. If you don't want to drive to LA (I don't blaim you) call them and they will ship.

For higher quality work and surface mount soldering I use the WBT solder sold by Ray Kimber at

www.kimberkable.com

It's 4% silver and still flows very nice. Sounds wonderfull.

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

[XSergeantD]

Originally Posted by Jim Williams

I use SN62 2% silver for standard bench work, made by Ersyn MultiCore, availavble from Pacific Radio in Burbank, just south of Fry's. If you don't want to drive to LA (I don't blaim you) call them and they will ship.

Another for SN62. I personally like the 0.81mm dia, you can get it a size larger or a size smaller (MFG part#MM01039). Pacrad site has been down for a few months now, but thats where I also buy my silver solder from. EEEEdddddiiiiittttt
looks like NewarkOne has it also

[johnjm22]

Awsome

Thanks for the replies.

[brianroth]

63/37 solder here Since Foerver.

Bri

[johnjm22]

So what exactly does SN62 mean? Does only Mulitcore make SN62? or is there other manufactuerers that make it? Is there different kinds of SN62? What does 63/37 mean? What's the difference between SN62 and 63/37?

I ask because I'm not totally sure what the proper wording would be when asking a seller for a specific type of solder. Do I just say "can I get a role of SN62?" or would I need to be more specific then that? Something like "I need a role of Mulitcore 2% silver SN62 .81mm solder wire."

Sorry for the lamo questions.

[johnjm22]

Also, what size solder would you guys recomend for the work I'm gonna be doing? Mostly just making cables.

[klaukholm]

we are vey happy with WTB 42gram 0.9mm diameter solder.
It is what we use for all cabling. Small enough to go in the box with the soldering iron.
you should get about 100 xlr connectors on one 42g roll.

[Schaap]

Here also WBT-0800 42g 4% silver. Quit easy to handle and solder.

Henk

[Jim Williams]

Originally Posted by XSergeantD

Another for SN62. I personally like the 0.81mm dia, you can get it a size larger or a size smaller (MFG part#MM01039). Pacrad site has been down for a few months now, but thats where I also buy my silver solder from. And it's RoHS Compliant to boot, so all you Europeans will like that. IO just did a search and looks like NewarkOne has it also

SN 62 is 2% silver, 37% lead, the rest is tin. It's NOT RoHS compatible and should not be used for new products, just rework and repairs. The newer formulas don't have lead, but more silver and some copper as well. Any of you have good experiences with any of this new stuff???

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

[XSergeantD]

Originally Posted by Jim Williams

SN 62 is 2% silver, 37% lead, the rest is tin. It's NOT RoHS compatible and should not be used for new products, just rework and repairs. The newer formulas don't have lead, but more silver and some copper as well. Any of you have good experiences with any of this new stuff???

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

Yes, my bad, the SN62 part#MB1390 is the RoHS compliant stuff. Thought thats what I ordered to try out, and looks like I got the old stuff which is why I didn't notice a difference.
I'll edit my original post. Thanks for pointing that one out

[drtechno]

Radio Shack solder beleive it or not is really good. Especially the 2% silver for point to point. I do beleive multicore makes thier solder for them.