The technical answer is that 'Reliability' is 'Quality' over 'Time'. R=Q/T, so Quality directly affects Reliability. Reliability is affected by soldering. Cold soldering (not enough heat or unclean surfaces) or too much heat. Too much heat can damage components internally. One of the most frequent problems is the invasion of flux into variable resistors and switches. The flux becomes an insulator after it cools and gets hard. A contaminated part will work for a short time and then become intermittent or open catastrophically. The soldering quality depends on getting the flux where it is needed and keeping it out of susceptible areas. Parts handling can greatly affect the reliability of the equipment too. ESD handling precautions must be taken to avoid static damage even after the equipment is completed. Parts placement, bending and strain relief is important. If a solid part like a switch or potted part is placed directly on a PCB and soldered down without strain relief, the temperature cycling over its life can pull the part leads out of the solder joints. Board cleanliness can affect its susceptibility to dendrite growth. After i build something, i want it to work (perform) the next time i turn it on. Quality is very important to the reliability of the equipment. Paul w0rw _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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