RadioBanter - View Single Post - Amp Design Concept -- Preliminary

Jan Panteltje · September 22nd 06, 10:58 PM posted to rec.radio.cb

On a sunny day (Fri, 22 Sep 2006 17:09:50 -0400) it happened
wrote in :

Are you sure that the reason automobile manufacturers use connectors
is because they believe a connector is more reliable than a properly
done solder joint?

No, it also has to do with servicability, which is another reason
-not- to solder the modules together.

Now.... do you have an LEGITIMATE concerns or are you just trolling?

You actually suggested that for reliability reasons a connector is
preferred over a proper solder joint.

A quote from you:

" Interconnection wires that are soldered have a high rate of
failure in abusive environments. That's why auto manufacturers use
connectors, even under the hood"

Give us a break. When practical a properly done solder joint is always
more reliable than a connector.

Not exactly, solder joints can 'shear off', actually I had a failed
control valve driver in my car, where the solder that connected 2 small PCBs
just broke (likely because vibration).
Also there is the issue that now in Europe we have to use leadless solder.
Not a whole lot is known about long time durability.

On the other hand solder has been used also in mil equipment ever since WW2,
without problems, if done properly (wires supported etc).
I have had prof power supplies in, where the rubber isolation of the wires was
falling apart, creating a dangerous situation.
Mil connectors are to very high spec, and very expensive usually.
Still connectors can cause problem because of dirt etc.. But the little
things used in cars are extremely reliable.
One connector is not the other one, not even for a simple D connector,
for example AMP makes D connectors where the female has a spring around
the gold contacts, while cheaper makes use phosphor - bronze gold plated
that only touch on one point.
Good soldering is an art, I noticed what looked one dry joint in Telstars PCB.
Many connectors are these days just pressed on (ethernet, phone, etc) and just
as or more reliable then soldered connectors.