Anyone use this? And does it work?

Guiness · 22nd March 2004, 02:08 AM

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=340-188

GRollins · 22nd March 2004, 03:07 AM

Tin plating circuit boards works fine. It's just basic chemistry, no magic involved.
Some people avoid it, either because they don't like the way it looks or because some say that it makes the sound brighter. Others think it makes their work look professional and keeps the copper from corroding. I've never made identical boards and done side-by-side comparisons with and without tin plating, so I have no comment on the sound quality. Besides, a little brightness may be just what you need.
For my purposes, I shoot my bare copper boards with a thin coat of lacquer. I can solder right through it and the looks suit me just fine. Keeps the copper from oxidizing for at least fifteen years, that being how long since I first started doing this. Others leave the copper naked and let it oxidize. If you get boards made and choose to have a solder mask applied, then the question is moot.

Grey

AuroraB · 22nd March 2004, 08:06 AM

I have been using a similar product for 20 years, and it works great..
If it enhances the highs used on audio boards, I really cannot say I have noticed.....

It really enhances the solderability of the boards, and gives great protection, but for long time protecion I also use a lacquer coating. Otherwise the tin goes darker, depending on the environmental air.. But- as Grey comments,- if you have your boards produced commercially, you will have a solder mask and the question is irrelevant. I use it for lab made prototype boards, and in these circumstances, I also do without the silkscreen, which so many here seems to depend on.....
Sure is nice to have, but boards was produced commercially for more than 40 years without it.......

cyclotronguy · 22nd March 2004, 04:52 PM

In industry I have used what I presume is the same material "Cool-Amp". There it was often the deciding factor of if a buss bar connection would survive or run off in a puddle of Cu and fire.

Seems to improve the ability of solder to wet and flow on circuit boards that I have etched with Ferric Chloride. Just a subjective evaluation!

Cyclotronguy

22nd March 2004, 02:08 AM	#1
Guiness diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: USA	Anyone use this? And does it work? http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=340-188 __________________ Guiness

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Would this work ?	LesPaulStandard	Instruments and Amps	3	4th May 2006 02:14 AM
Will This Work?	sousmielie	Class D	6	27th December 2005 05:53 PM
It Should Not Work !	f4bok	Solid State	3	6th September 2004 05:33 PM
Would this work?	JoeBob	Solid State	5	18th July 2003 03:40 PM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

22nd March 2004, 03:07 AM	#2
GRollins diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Columbia, SC	Tin plating circuit boards works fine. It's just basic chemistry, no magic involved. Some people avoid it, either because they don't like the way it looks or because some say that it makes the sound brighter. Others think it makes their work look professional and keeps the copper from corroding. I've never made identical boards and done side-by-side comparisons with and without tin plating, so I have no comment on the sound quality. Besides, a little brightness may be just what you need. For my purposes, I shoot my bare copper boards with a thin coat of lacquer. I can solder right through it and the looks suit me just fine. Keeps the copper from oxidizing for at least fifteen years, that being how long since I first started doing this. Others leave the copper naked and let it oxidize. If you get boards made and choose to have a solder mask applied, then the question is moot. Grey

22nd March 2004, 08:06 AM	#3
AuroraB diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Norway, -north of the moral circle..	I have been using a similar product for 20 years, and it works great.. If it enhances the highs used on audio boards, I really cannot say I have noticed..... It really enhances the solderability of the boards, and gives great protection, but for long time protecion I also use a lacquer coating. Otherwise the tin goes darker, depending on the environmental air.. But- as Grey comments,- if you have your boards produced commercially, you will have a solder mask and the question is irrelevant. I use it for lab made prototype boards, and in these circumstances, I also do without the silkscreen, which so many here seems to depend on..... Sure is nice to have, but boards was produced commercially for more than 40 years without it.......

22nd March 2004, 04:52 PM	#4
cyclotronguy diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern California	In industry I have used what I presume is the same material "Cool-Amp". There it was often the deciding factor of if a buss bar connection would survive or run off in a puddle of Cu and fire. Seems to improve the ability of solder to wet and flow on circuit boards that I have etched with Ferric Chloride. Just a subjective evaluation! Cyclotronguy