Soldering Antenna Wire of Radio With IGBT High Frequency Induction HeaterĀ
Objective To heat a coaxial antenna assembly to 600Ā°F within 2 secondsĀ for a soldering application. The goal to improve on an existingĀ procedure with a soldering iron which required 10 to 15Ā seconds.
Material .250ā diameter aluminum antenna assembly, aluminum ferrule,Ā solder paste, temperature indicating paint
Temperature 600Ā°F
Frequency 333 kHz
Equipment DW-UHF-4.5kW power supply, remote heat station with oneĀ 1.2 Ī¼F capacitor and a specially designed induction coil.
Process Initial tests were conducted with temperature indicating paint toĀ establish a heating profile and determine time-to-temperature.Ā The solder paste was then applied to the antenna assemblyĀ and aluminum ferrule. RF power was applied for two secondsĀ to heat and flow the solder joint.
Results Consistent and repeatable results were achieved within theĀ required two-second time frame. A close examination of theĀ solder joint indicated that the solder flowed well and formed aĀ good, solid joint.
