[sdiy] SDIY vs RoHS

[Metrophage]

--- Paul Schreiber <synth1 at airmail.net> wrote:
> >> I'd start worrying about the vanishing *DIP* package after July
> 2006 (RoHS requirements).

RoHS is a fine acronym, but "required" by whom? I don't exactly hear a
lot of people clamoring for this sort of thing. Most times when I hear
of something being "required" it is by some obscure minority of people
who are barely capable of entry-level communication. 

> DIP packages contain lead (in the solder that coats the pins). SOICs
> started converting over to lead-free tin plating about 1 year ago. By
the end
> of this year, all SOIC/resistors/caps/etc will be lead-free. 

I use "lead-free" solder from Kester which I am quite happy with. Lead
is obviously not the only game in town. 

> I suppose *gold-plated ceramic DIPS* are exempt :)

That's a relief! My stash of gold-plated ceramic op-amps are quite old.
Again, proves that DIPs don't >need< to be done with lead

> But DIPs are not the only problem. What about the leads on resistors?
> Pots? Connectors? It gives me a headache.

The only reason why development of solder has been a bit slow is
probably because it has almost always been "good enough'. Formulating
another readily-handled, low melting point, solidly bonding solder is
likely not as tricky as many things in the industry.

It'll be fine. Just think about how proud you'll feel when you make
your first op amp out of carbon nanotube transistors. More DIYers will
be trying their first PCB runs soon! Personally, I'm more wary of
etchant and vapors than I am about lead salts from soldering... The
cleanup will be beneficial, most electronics produced these days are
planned-obselete while being practically unrecyclable. Keep heavy metal
madness in your music, rather than in your soil, tissues, food, etc.

CJ



		
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