**Important info for EU MOTM Users**
2006-05-27 by Paul Schreiber
As you all know, starting July 1st the RoHS legislation for the countries in the EU takes effect. Although the RoHS (sometimes *incorrectly* referred to as 'lead-free') requirement was targeted towards cell phones and computer monitors being chunked into landfills, as of *right now* anything that is either an "audio amplifier" or a "musical instrument" or "power supply" is under the RoHS directive. *In general*, equipment designed "to be in service at least 10 years" can be petitioned to be exempt. The category "professional recording equipment" is *under consideration* (whatever THAT means). I am going to contact my solder supplier (Kester) next week to see if they have released "solder on a spool" (they call it wire solder) that can be used with a standard soldering iron (the temperature MAY be different). If none is available, then I WILL NOT be able to supply solder with MOTM kits. I can supply *everything else*, because everything else IS RoHS COMPLIANT. The last 'piece of the puzzle' was the pc board, and now all MOTM pc boards are run on a lead-free process. Now, notice I DID NOT SAY that MOTM was "lead free", I said it was RoHS compliant. "Lead-free" is sort of tossed about, but the laws do NOT specify "lead-free", they specify RoHS compliant which allows SOME lead. So, I *strongly suggest* (cough cough) that EU MOTM kit builders acquire both Kester 331 (organic) and Kester 245 (no clean) solder. 2 spools of each is a LOT of solder (probably 100 modules worth). You want the 63/37 alloy. I have seen recent solder prices *dropping*. For US customers: business as usual, except you CANNOT SELL a MOTM module built with leaded solder overseas after July 1st. The MOTM FRAC modules are also RoHS compliant. Lastly: what about assembled MOTM modules? The MOTM-650 is OK. The others, as of right now are NOT. If Kester does not have a hand-solderable compliant solder, then I will have to use wave solder. IF I go to wave solder, the prices of assembled modules will go up. Chances are, if this is the case I will not be able to ship *assembled* MOTM modules to the EU :( If you are in the EU and have assembled MOTM modules on order, you can rest assured I am going to do everything I can to ship before July 1. EU customers will get priority over US customers. If I cannot ship, the orders will be cancelled. There is nothing I can do about it, sorry. Maybe, the whole RoHS thing will be thrown out or at least pro audio equipment can get an exemption. Stay tuned. Paul S.