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Is solder strong enough for this?

CoW]8(0)

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Jul 25, 2005
Messages
1,427
I have a broken metal antenna that needs to be reconnected. Is soldering it together a possible option? Or am I just about to waste my time?
 
CoW]8(0) said:
I have a broken metal antenna that needs to be reconnected. Is soldering it together a possible option? Or am I just about to waste my time?

I think it depends on the length and weight that the antenna is. If your talking like the length of a TV or car antenna then I dont think it will work as solder is usually led based, and as we all know led is a very soft metal., but if its something short than i dont see why it wouldnt work.
 
It could give acceptable results but there are issues with using solder to join the parts.

As electricity flows through different metals (ie, the aerial metal and the solder), some reflects back where it came from.
This doesnt matter much for DC but with high frequencies, the signal being reflected back can cancel the incoming signal and certainly detracts from the signal strength.

Radio/TV reception relies on the length of the aerial being around the wavelength of the frequencies being received.
The aerial length can also be a power of 2 longer (ie 2x, 4x, 8x the length).

In a broken and repaired aerial (with solder), where the join is made will split the aerial into 2 effectively.
The original frequencies intended to be received will still be picked up but at a lower strength.
The aerial will also pick up frequencies associated with the 2 lengths of the broken parts.

Non of this may matter if your signal is strong enough but you get the idea :)
 
Solder doesn't have much in the way of mechanical strength - after all, it's primary component is soft lead. There a a few applications where soldering might be used as a fastener, such a stained glass and plumbing, but those applications are few. Additonally, if your antenna is of any length, you'll have issues due to leverage. Also, solder does not adhere to all metals equally well. I don't think soldering is goping to help you out.

Other methods, such as brazing or welding might be a better solution, Don't rule out simple things like JB Weld or even some type of mechanical repair like a clamp or splint.
 
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