How to solder electrical connections
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==Some things you'll need and good addition to your tool box== | ==Some things you'll need and good addition to your tool box== | ||
− | * A good | + | * A good controlled-output soldering station |
− | * De-solder / soldering tools & | + | * De-solder / soldering tools & braid |
− | * About a pound of 60/40 solder, (I use 24 gauge for harness making, and it works well for circuit board assembly also, a good mid | + | * About a pound of 60/40 solder, (I use 24 gauge for harness making, and it works well for circuit board assembly also, a good mid-sized gauge) |
− | * Some resin, | + | * Some resin, a pin vise, hemostats, small brass (about the size of a toothbrush), acid brush, a dental pick is also handy, |
* Heat gun | * Heat gun | ||
* A GOOD set of automatic strippers with a depth gauge | * A GOOD set of automatic strippers with a depth gauge | ||
− | * Various sizes and COLOR heat shrink tubing (cheaper in bulk | + | * Various sizes and COLOR heat shrink tubing (cheaper in bulk) |
− | * a GOOD tie | + | * a GOOD tie wrap gun, various tie wraps |
− | * Bulk (5000 at a time) | + | * Bulk (5000 at a time) ring terminals in the 3 popular sizes, that are NOT insulated |
==The procedure== | ==The procedure== | ||
− | * Strip the wire to fit the terminal sleeve, with about | + | * Strip the wire to fit the terminal sleeve, with about 1/4 inch showing. |
− | * Without twisting the stripped end, | + | * Without twisting the stripped end, tin it until a good silver coat appears. |
− | * Then, | + | * Then, tin the terminal, with just enough solder to flow and leave a silver coat INSIDE the sleeve. |
− | * Next, | + | * Next, get two pieces of shrink tubing -- black for the first insulator, and a selected color for the top to slide over the black, about a 1/4 inch SHORTER than the bottom; cut and slide them on the wire. |
− | * Next | + | * Next, solder the wire to the ring terminal, "wicking " the solder up into the terminal sleeve, until it is filled, smooth, and shiny silver. |
− | * Next | + | * Next, crimp the terminal. |
− | * Finally, | + | * Finally, slide the black (longer tubing) flush with the end of the terminal sleeve on the ring end, and shrink it (keeping the wire straight until it cools, unless a pre-bent angle is required). |
− | * When cool, | + | * When cool, slide the colored tubing (for example: red) over the first, and flush with the ring end, and shrink it down. Net result is you have a terminal with a red marker and about a 1/4 trailer behind it. Looks professional, and lasts forever. |
+ | * To extend a wire, just strip a good length from both wires, make a good mechanical connection by placing the stripped ends parallel to each other, wrap one clockwise and the other counterclockwise. Solder until you have a good flow and coverage and silver (not gray) appearance, then install shrink tubing. | ||
− | + | Even on crimp terminals, solder AND crimp. | |
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− | Even on crimp terminals, | + |