Gold Board From An IBM Monitor

[Jeremiah]

This is an old monitor from an IBM. Look at the gold traces all throughout the back of the board. This monitor accompanied a AS400 server that weighted about 100 pounds. I picked them both up and a box of boards for $35

http://www.flickr.com/photos/44373382@N05/6842742300



http://www.flickr.com/photos/44373382@N05/6988865733

[ScrappinRed]

... are you sure that's not copper trace? I had one a while back that looked gold but turned out to be copper...

[Jeremiah]

You're probably right. Although my fingers are crossed

[Bear]

I thought copper too, too many lead solders to be gold in my guess. The ones I've had and felt certain were gold didn't have all that. Woulda liked to seen a photo of the box of boards tho

[devo]

Sorry dude, but those sure look like copper to me too.

Couple things to help you and others out:

Gold is very seldom used on traces on equipment like that. The exception is on very sensitive equipment like high end scientific and electronics test equipment, medical devices, military stuff, etc.

Gold most times will look like gold. There is very little that can affect the color of gold.

If in doubt try this:

Take a small piece of 220 or higher grid sandpaper and rub a small section. If its gold the gold color will come back, copper will look pinkish.

You can also use a mixture of vinegar and salt. Rub it on a small section with a small piece of sandpaper, finger, tooth brush etc. Leave it to dry. Once dry if the re was copper, you should see some blue/green stains or crystals.

Hardly a very scientific test, but it'll do in a pinch.

[martyweil]

You can also test with Sno-Bowl toilet cleaner. Rub some on and it will do the same thing as salt & vinager.

[Mechanic688]

You can also test with Sno-Bowl toilet cleaner. Rub some on and it will do the same thing as salt & vinegar.

The salt & vinegar isn't dangerous but the Sno-Bowl can be.

[martyweil]

The salt & vinegar isn't dangerous but the Sno-Bowl can be.

Yes, that's true. I was just offering another alternative suggestion.

When it comes to e-scrap, dangerous is a relative term, since I don't think anyone would argue that the job comes with some inherent risks. It goes withous saying (although, I guess I need to say it) that all aspects of working with escrap must be done with the utmost regard to safety. Safe handling and best practices related to safety equipment and protective clothing and all other safety-related precautions should be used when handling any and all materials that have some potential for harm.