[sdiy] Parts Shelflife with RoHS

[Paul Schreiber]

As Harry mentioned, current lead-based parts have a good 20-30yr shelf life. 
Meaning, you can grab that Q81K tempco you bought in 1978 and solder in right 
into a pc board, no problem.

With things like "Tin-Matte" RoHS-compliant finishes (tin+silver+copper) you 
have less than *6 months* to solder in the parts after exposure to air (ie 
opening the package).

OK, enough scaring the kids. For now.........

Paul S.