Rick, see below for comments.

In a message dated 1/27/03 1:59:14 PM Pacific Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< Data I've gotten back from the board vendor in
 China is that the finish is only 1-1.5 microinches thick.  This sounds like
 it could be the issue we're seeing as that doesn't seem thick enough to
 adequately protect the nickel to me.

I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF GOLD THAT THIN...IF IT LOOKS GOOD, THEY ARE NEARLY
MIRACULOUS.

Out of curiosity, would there be any
 visual indication of nickel oxide formation?

IF THERE WERE AN INDICATION VISUALLY, IT WOULD MEAN IT WAS REAL BAD.... IN
OTHER WORDS, IT CAN BE BAD, AND STILL LOOK GOOD.  Nickel oxide is green, but
it does not appear you are seeing green...so...However, there is a
test...drop on some ammonia and 1% Dimethyl Glyoxime, and if it goes red,
that is a proof of Nickel.

The pads we're seeing are very
 shiny looking but I'm not sure if that's indicative of good or bad plating.

Shiny normally means good plating...especially at 1 microinch (!!!!), but
there really can be no such thing as good plating under 5 microinches.

Rudy Sedlak

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