Any Soldering Tips?

[Gav]

I have just purchased an ESC to replace my MSC, new motor, wire and bullet
conectors. I've got the capacitors and bullet connectors attached but am
having problems soldering the wire to the motor. The wire is quite thick and
I just can't seem to get it right. Can anyone offer any tips? I'm currently
thinking of getting blade recepticles to attach to the wire and just
clipping them on.

Thanks

Gav

[jay bo]

you dont say what your problems are..
but, if you use flux on the wire it will soak up solder like nobodys
business.. if your problems are that you cant get the thick wire hot enough
to solder it to the motor, then try cleaning the tip of the iron.. rub it on
some sand paper or something until you can see the copper.. then put some
solder on it...




"Gav" <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote in message
news:b03edv$uhk$1@newsreaderg1.core.theplanet.net. ..
> I have just purchased an ESC to replace my MSC, new motor, wire and bullet
> conectors. I've got the capacitors and bullet connectors attached but am
> having problems soldering the wire to the motor. The wire is quite thick
and
> I just can't seem to get it right. Can anyone offer any tips? I'm
currently
> thinking of getting blade recepticles to attach to the wire and just
> clipping them on.
>
> Thanks
>
> Gav
>
>

[BradL]

G'Day,

you need to use a soldering iron that has a large enough tip and wattage so
that the wires don't lower the tip temperature too much. To get a good
solder joint the solder has to melt and flow up the wires, if your iron
isn't up to the job you will just end up with lumps of solder that hang off
the wires and don't do you much good.

Regards,
Brad.
"Gav" <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote in message
news:b03edv$uhk$1@newsreaderg1.core.theplanet.net. ..
> I have just purchased an ESC to replace my MSC, new motor, wire and bullet
> conectors. I've got the capacitors and bullet connectors attached but am
> having problems soldering the wire to the motor. The wire is quite thick
and
> I just can't seem to get it right. Can anyone offer any tips? I'm
currently
> thinking of getting blade recepticles to attach to the wire and just
> clipping them on.
>
> Thanks
>
> Gav
>
>

[Gav]

Problem is probably that although I've done loads of soldering before I've
never soldered large wires before so am not entirely sure how to go about
it. Should the wire be spread open or should it be cylindrical? I managed to
get one soldered on last night and the wire is spread out like a fan shape.
Before soldering it on I tined up the wire and the motor connector with
solder, then sort of stuck then together. Could just be me being fussy but
just dosn't look like a clean joint to me and from looking at little
diagrams on the web I'm sure it doesn't look like what other people are
doing. I have been using flux cored solder perhaps I would have better
results if I smear some flux on the surfaces first. Incidently my gas
soldering iron ran out after doing the first connector so it possibly wasn't
at it maximum temperature.

thanks

Gav

"jay bo" <jaynoop@numpty.com> wrote in message
news:8EcV9.275$ql2.93907@newsfep2-win.server.ntli.net...
> you dont say what your problems are..
> but, if you use flux on the wire it will soak up solder like nobodys
> business.. if your problems are that you cant get the thick wire hot
enough
> to solder it to the motor, then try cleaning the tip of the iron.. rub it
on
> some sand paper or something until you can see the copper.. then put some
> solder on it...
>
>
>
>
> "Gav" <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote in message
> news:b03edv$uhk$1@newsreaderg1.core.theplanet.net. ..
> > I have just purchased an ESC to replace my MSC, new motor, wire and
bullet
> > conectors. I've got the capacitors and bullet connectors attached but am
> > having problems soldering the wire to the motor. The wire is quite thick
> and
> > I just can't seem to get it right. Can anyone offer any tips? I'm
> currently
> > thinking of getting blade recepticles to attach to the wire and just
> > clipping them on.
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > Gav
> >
> >
>
>

[Pt3]

A hot Iron and good Rosin Core Soldier will do the trick.

Patrick


"Gav" <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote in message
news:b03edv$uhk$1@newsreaderg1.core.theplanet.net. ..
> I have just purchased an ESC to replace my MSC, new motor, wire and bullet
> conectors. I've got the capacitors and bullet connectors attached but am
> having problems soldering the wire to the motor. The wire is quite thick
and
> I just can't seem to get it right. Can anyone offer any tips? I'm
currently
> thinking of getting blade recepticles to attach to the wire and just
> clipping them on.
>
> Thanks
>
> Gav
>
>

[Pt3]

Solder that is......

Patrick



"Pt3" <rfeded@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:EDeV9.33222$%V.22293@nwrddc02.gnilink.net...
> A hot Iron and good Rosin Core Soldier will do the trick.
>
> Patrick
>
>
> "Gav" <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote in message
> news:b03edv$uhk$1@newsreaderg1.core.theplanet.net. ..
> > I have just purchased an ESC to replace my MSC, new motor, wire and
bullet
> > conectors. I've got the capacitors and bullet connectors attached but am
> > having problems soldering the wire to the motor. The wire is quite thick
> and
> > I just can't seem to get it right. Can anyone offer any tips? I'm
> currently
> > thinking of getting blade recepticles to attach to the wire and just
> > clipping them on.
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > Gav
> >
> >
>
>

[Paul - xxx]

Gav, in news:b03edv$uhk$1@newsreaderg1.core.theplanet.net scribbled ;

> I have just purchased an ESC to replace my MSC, new motor, wire and
> bullet conectors. I've got the capacitors and bullet connectors
> attached but am having problems soldering the wire to the motor. The
> wire is quite thick and I just can't seem to get it right. Can anyone
> offer any tips? I'm currently thinking of getting blade recepticles
> to attach to the wire and just clipping them on.
>
> Thanks
>
> Gav

Cleanliness is paramount, especially if you'e soldering a large heat well
(the thick wire) with a small soldering iron .. Also larger tips or a higher
wattage iron, say 6mm tips and minimum 50 watt, may help .. ;)

--
....................................Paul-xxx
Seti 1322 wu in 9207 hours

[sanj.varah]

i agree with jay bo, if you use flux you can use a much lower wattage iron,
the flux tends to soak up the cack anyway.

sanj

--
Visit my RC Homepage
http://www.schumacher.clara.net


"jay bo" <jaynoop@numpty.com> wrote in message
news:8EcV9.275$ql2.93907@newsfep2-win.server.ntli.net...
> you dont say what your problems are..
> but, if you use flux on the wire it will soak up solder like nobodys
> business.. if your problems are that you cant get the thick wire hot
enough
> to solder it to the motor, then try cleaning the tip of the iron.. rub it
on
> some sand paper or something until you can see the copper.. then put some
> solder on it...
>
>
>
>
> "Gav" <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote in message
> news:b03edv$uhk$1@newsreaderg1.core.theplanet.net. ..
> > I have just purchased an ESC to replace my MSC, new motor, wire and
bullet
> > conectors. I've got the capacitors and bullet connectors attached but am
> > having problems soldering the wire to the motor. The wire is quite thick
> and
> > I just can't seem to get it right. Can anyone offer any tips? I'm
> currently
> > thinking of getting blade recepticles to attach to the wire and just
> > clipping them on.
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > Gav
> >
> >
>
>

[SimonJ]

"Gav" <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote in message
news:b03pfq$kso$1@newsreaderm1.core.theplanet.net. ..
> Problem is probably that although I've done loads of soldering before I've
> never soldered large wires before so am not entirely sure how to go about
> it. Should the wire be spread open or should it be cylindrical? I managed
to
> get one soldered on last night and the wire is spread out like a fan
shape.
> Before soldering it on I tined up the wire and the motor connector with
> solder, then sort of stuck then together. Could just be me being fussy but
> just dosn't look like a clean joint to me and from looking at little
> diagrams on the web I'm sure it doesn't look like what other people are
> doing. I have been using flux cored solder perhaps I would have better
> results if I smear some flux on the surfaces first. Incidently my gas
> soldering iron ran out after doing the first connector so it possibly
wasn't
> at it maximum temperature.
>
Sounds like you do not have enough heat.

Do not use flux on electrics, it will corrode the wiring with time, use flux
cored solder, the flux in that is designed for electrical use.

[Rick Russell]

In article <b04jc8$37a$1@helle.btinternet.com>, SimonJ <Me@Mine.net> wrote:

> Do not use flux on electrics, it will corrode the wiring with time, use flux
> cored solder, the flux in that is designed for electrical use.

You can buy electronics flux (pure rosin) in liquid or paste
form. It's particularly useful for batteries and similar wide-area
bonds where the flux in the solder might not be enough.

Rick R.

[Paul E Garcia]

Also, don't forget to tin (melt solder on) the tip of the iron after cleaning
it.

[Justin Mahn]

On Wed, 15 Jan 2003 10:50:30 +0000, Gav wrote:

> I have just purchased an ESC to replace my MSC, new motor, wire and bullet
> conectors. I've got the capacitors and bullet connectors attached but am
> having problems soldering the wire to the motor. The wire is quite thick and
> I just can't seem to get it right. Can anyone offer any tips? I'm currently
> thinking of getting blade recepticles to attach to the wire and just
> clipping them on.
>
> Thanks
>
> Gav


Something that I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you should solder both
contacts BEFORE putting them together. BOTH the wire and the motor tab
should have a good clean dollop of solder on them BEFORE you try to solder
them together. Then all you need to do is place the wire on the tab and
heat untill the solder from both pieces run together. If the solder does
not cover the entire circumfrence of a (mostly) cylindrical wire end, then
you probably don't have enough. Cut and restrip for a new wire end and
try again. I hope you left enough wire for uh-ohs.

[Gav]

Thanks for all the advice. Had another go at soldering it last night, think
problem is just down to my gas soldering iron not being powerfull enough.
I'm gonna get myself a more powerfull soldering iron at the weekend.

Gav

"Gav" <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote in message
news:b03edv$uhk$1@newsreaderg1.core.theplanet.net. ..
> I have just purchased an ESC to replace my MSC, new motor, wire and bullet
> conectors. I've got the capacitors and bullet connectors attached but am
> having problems soldering the wire to the motor. The wire is quite thick
and
> I just can't seem to get it right. Can anyone offer any tips? I'm
currently
> thinking of getting blade recepticles to attach to the wire and just
> clipping them on.
>
> Thanks
>
> Gav
>
>

[BradL]

"Gav" <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote in message
news:b08h9m$5ce$1@newsreaderg1.core.theplanet.net. ..
> Thanks for all the advice. Had another go at soldering it last night,
think
> problem is just down to my gas soldering iron not being powerfull enough.
> I'm gonna get myself a more powerfull soldering iron at the weekend.
>
> Gav
>
> "Gav" <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote in message
> news:b03edv$uhk$1@newsreaderg1.core.theplanet.net. ..
> > I have just purchased an ESC to replace my MSC, new motor, wire and
bullet
> > conectors. I've got the capacitors and bullet connectors attached but am
> > having problems soldering the wire to the motor. The wire is quite thick
> and
> > I just can't seem to get it right. Can anyone offer any tips? I'm
> currently
> > thinking of getting blade recepticles to attach to the wire and just
> > clipping them on.
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > Gav
> >
G'Day,

good stuff, just don't go too overboard and get an iron a plumber could use
;-)

Regards,
Brad.

[Gav]

Was thinking about a 100W (iron not gun) one, would that be too much?

Gav

"BradL" <blarden@remove.this.hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1042804307.161819@mx2.syd2.portico6.com.au...
>
> "Gav" <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote in message
> news:b08h9m$5ce$1@newsreaderg1.core.theplanet.net. ..
> > Thanks for all the advice. Had another go at soldering it last night,
> think
> > problem is just down to my gas soldering iron not being powerfull
enough.
> > I'm gonna get myself a more powerfull soldering iron at the weekend.
> >
> > Gav
> >
> > "Gav" <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote in message
> > news:b03edv$uhk$1@newsreaderg1.core.theplanet.net. ..
> > > I have just purchased an ESC to replace my MSC, new motor, wire and
> bullet
> > > conectors. I've got the capacitors and bullet connectors attached but
am
> > > having problems soldering the wire to the motor. The wire is quite
thick
> > and
> > > I just can't seem to get it right. Can anyone offer any tips? I'm
> > currently
> > > thinking of getting blade recepticles to attach to the wire and just
> > > clipping them on.
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > >
> > > Gav
> > >
> G'Day,
>
> good stuff, just don't go too overboard and get an iron a plumber could
use
> ;-)
>
> Regards,
> Brad.
>
>

[BradL]

"Gav" <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote in message
news:b08s5v$a8b$1@newsreaderg1.core.theplanet.net. ..
> Was thinking about a 100W (iron not gun) one, would that be too much?
>
> Gav
>
> "BradL" <blarden@remove.this.hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1042804307.161819@mx2.syd2.portico6.com.au...
> >
> > "Gav" <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote in message
> > news:b08h9m$5ce$1@newsreaderg1.core.theplanet.net. ..
> > > Thanks for all the advice. Had another go at soldering it last night,
> > think
> > > problem is just down to my gas soldering iron not being powerfull
> enough.
> > > I'm gonna get myself a more powerfull soldering iron at the weekend.
> > >
> > > Gav
> > >
> > > "Gav" <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote in message
> > > news:b03edv$uhk$1@newsreaderg1.core.theplanet.net. ..
> > > > I have just purchased an ESC to replace my MSC, new motor, wire and
> > bullet
> > > > conectors. I've got the capacitors and bullet connectors attached
but
> am
> > > > having problems soldering the wire to the motor. The wire is quite
> thick
> > > and
> > > > I just can't seem to get it right. Can anyone offer any tips? I'm
> > > currently
> > > > thinking of getting blade recepticles to attach to the wire and just
> > > > clipping them on.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks
> > > >
> > > > Gav
> > > >
> > G'Day,
> >
> > good stuff, just don't go too overboard and get an iron a plumber could
> use
> > ;-)
> >
> > Regards,
> > Brad.
> >
> >
>
>
G'Day,

It depends a lot on how 'handy' you are with a soldering iron.
Sorry, it's hard to make recommendations on this sort of thing but I would
think that a 60W iron with a 1/4 inch tip would do the job without being too
big.
With the 100W iron, you would have to be very careful that you didn't end up
putting too much heat into the job.
I use a 100W iron to solder wire that's about 3 times the size of 12 Gauge
R/C wiring. If you're quick and deft with an iron of that power, you might
get away with it.

Sorry I can't give you an exact answer.

Regards,
Brad.

[grizzbob]

> >
> G'Day,
>
> It depends a lot on how 'handy' you are with a soldering iron.
> Sorry, it's hard to make recommendations on this sort of thing but I would
> think that a 60W iron with a 1/4 inch tip would do the job without being
too
> big.
> With the 100W iron, you would have to be very careful that you didn't end
up
> putting too much heat into the job.
> I use a 100W iron to solder wire that's about 3 times the size of 12 Gauge
> R/C wiring. If you're quick and deft with an iron of that power, you might
> get away with it.
>
> Sorry I can't give you an exact answer.
>
> Regards,
> Brad.
>
True, I've always been very happy with a good 50watt iron with a 1/4" chisel
tip, good heat & proper heat transfer, 2 of the keys to good soldering. The
only thing about using a 100watt iron is that you could damage some things
with its heat. That's why there are so many different wattages available,
for delicate circuit board work a 25-40watt iron is best(so it won't burn
through any traces or burn up surface-mount components), while for heavy
soldering to large, heat-resistant surfaces 100 watts is much more
appropriate(where you need to transfer a lot of heat very quickly)...:)

[Bubba]

On Fri, 17 Jan 2003 12:15:59 -0000, "Gav"
<gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote:

>Was thinking about a 100W (iron not gun) one, would that be too much?

If you're good it'll work fine, just don't leave the iron on cells for
more than a couple of seconds. Been there, done that ;)

[Jus]

I have an 80W iron and it melted my deans connectors in about 2 sec.
And, I still have problems trying to get the solder to bond to the wire.

I used to use flux, and I think I will definately go get some again.

"Gav" <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote in message
news:b08s5v$a8b$1@newsreaderg1.core.theplanet.net. ..
> Was thinking about a 100W (iron not gun) one, would that be too much?
>
> Gav
>
> "BradL" <blarden@remove.this.hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1042804307.161819@mx2.syd2.portico6.com.au...
> >
> > "Gav" <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote in message
> > news:b08h9m$5ce$1@newsreaderg1.core.theplanet.net. ..
> > > Thanks for all the advice. Had another go at soldering it last night,
> > think
> > > problem is just down to my gas soldering iron not being powerfull
> enough.
> > > I'm gonna get myself a more powerfull soldering iron at the weekend.
> > >
> > > Gav
> > >
> > > "Gav" <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote in message
> > > news:b03edv$uhk$1@newsreaderg1.core.theplanet.net. ..
> > > > I have just purchased an ESC to replace my MSC, new motor, wire and
> > bullet
> > > > conectors. I've got the capacitors and bullet connectors attached
but
> am
> > > > having problems soldering the wire to the motor. The wire is quite
> thick
> > > and
> > > > I just can't seem to get it right. Can anyone offer any tips? I'm
> > > currently
> > > > thinking of getting blade recepticles to attach to the wire and just
> > > > clipping them on.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks
> > > >
> > > > Gav
> > > >
> > G'Day,
> >
> > good stuff, just don't go too overboard and get an iron a plumber could
> use
> > ;-)
> >
> > Regards,
> > Brad.
> >
> >
>
>

[Bubba]

On Sat, 18 Jan 2003 14:50:43 +0800, "Jus" <justo2@hotmail.com> wrote:

>I have an 80W iron and it melted my deans connectors in about 2 sec.
>And, I still have problems trying to get the solder to bond to the wire.
>
>I used to use flux, and I think I will definately go get some again.

I use a 40w iron and tiny flux core silver solder to tin everything.
Once it's tinned it rarely actually needs more solder to make the
joint except with big wires. The only problem I ever have is with
cells. An 80-100 watt iron would be perfect.

[Jus]

Yeah, the problem is that I can't get the wires to tin nicely. No matter how
long I leave the iron on the wires for, the solder just doesn't want to bond
to it. It must be super shit solder.


"Bubba" <bubba@beer.com> wrote in message
news:3e2936df.358181615@news.houston.sbcglobal.net ...
> On Sat, 18 Jan 2003 14:50:43 +0800, "Jus" <justo2@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> >I have an 80W iron and it melted my deans connectors in about 2 sec.
> >And, I still have problems trying to get the solder to bond to the wire.
> >
> >I used to use flux, and I think I will definately go get some again.
>
> I use a 40w iron and tiny flux core silver solder to tin everything.
> Once it's tinned it rarely actually needs more solder to make the
> joint except with big wires. The only problem I ever have is with
> cells. An 80-100 watt iron would be perfect.

[Paul E Garcia]

>Yeah, the problem is that I can't get the wires to tin nicely. No matter how
>long I leave the iron on the wires for, the solder just doesn't want to bond
>to it. It must be super shit solder.

I only repeat because I've done it myself SO many times, but clean the tip of
your iron (doesn't need to be polished metal, but does need to be free of any
obvious crud) and melt a good quantity of solder on the tip, else you won't
heat anything no matter how long you hold the iron to it.

[BradL]

What sort of solder are you using ??
Not the stick solder that plumbers use ?
Generally if the wire is in good condition (no oxidisation) the flux in the
core of your average rosin core solder will be fine and should provide quite
a good bond. If you don't have solder with its own flux, then you're wasting
your time trying to make a decent solder joint.

Also agree with Paul E Garcia re having a clean tip on your iron.
If it's just a copper rod/chisel tip, just clean it up cold with some sand
paper, heat it up, wipe on a wet sponge, then tin the tip with your rosin
cored solder.

Regards,
Brad.
"Jus" <justo2@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:b0i6ja$1v6$1@nnrp.waia.asn.au...
> Yeah, the problem is that I can't get the wires to tin nicely. No matter
how
> long I leave the iron on the wires for, the solder just doesn't want to
bond
> to it. It must be super shit solder.
>
>
> "Bubba" <bubba@beer.com> wrote in message
> news:3e2936df.358181615@news.houston.sbcglobal.net ...
> > On Sat, 18 Jan 2003 14:50:43 +0800, "Jus" <justo2@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > >I have an 80W iron and it melted my deans connectors in about 2 sec.
> > >And, I still have problems trying to get the solder to bond to the
wire.
> > >
> > >I used to use flux, and I think I will definately go get some again.
> >
> > I use a 40w iron and tiny flux core silver solder to tin everything.
> > Once it's tinned it rarely actually needs more solder to make the
> > joint except with big wires. The only problem I ever have is with
> > cells. An 80-100 watt iron would be perfect.
>
>

[Jus]

Yeah, it's a brand new soldering iron. I did all that.

I am using rosiin cored solder.

I am however, much more used to using flux and the big fat sticks of solder.

"BradL" <blarden@remove.this.hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1043144774.517541@mx2.syd2.portico6.com.au...
> What sort of solder are you using ??
> Not the stick solder that plumbers use ?
> Generally if the wire is in good condition (no oxidisation) the flux in
the
> core of your average rosin core solder will be fine and should provide
quite
> a good bond. If you don't have solder with its own flux, then you're
wasting
> your time trying to make a decent solder joint.
>
> Also agree with Paul E Garcia re having a clean tip on your iron.
> If it's just a copper rod/chisel tip, just clean it up cold with some sand
> paper, heat it up, wipe on a wet sponge, then tin the tip with your rosin
> cored solder.
>
> Regards,
> Brad.
> "Jus" <justo2@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:b0i6ja$1v6$1@nnrp.waia.asn.au...
> > Yeah, the problem is that I can't get the wires to tin nicely. No matter
> how
> > long I leave the iron on the wires for, the solder just doesn't want to
> bond
> > to it. It must be super shit solder.
> >
> >
> > "Bubba" <bubba@beer.com> wrote in message
> > news:3e2936df.358181615@news.houston.sbcglobal.net ...
> > > On Sat, 18 Jan 2003 14:50:43 +0800, "Jus" <justo2@hotmail.com> wrote:
> > >
> > > >I have an 80W iron and it melted my deans connectors in about 2 sec.
> > > >And, I still have problems trying to get the solder to bond to the
> wire.
> > > >
> > > >I used to use flux, and I think I will definately go get some again.
> > >
> > > I use a 40w iron and tiny flux core silver solder to tin everything.
> > > Once it's tinned it rarely actually needs more solder to make the
> > > joint except with big wires. The only problem I ever have is with
> > > cells. An 80-100 watt iron would be perfect.
> >
> >
>
>

[Bubba]

On Tue, 21 Jan 2003 22:15:39 +0800, "Jus" <justo2@hotmail.com> wrote:

>Yeah, it's a brand new soldering iron. I did all that.

Did you let the tip sit and cook for a few minutes? Most tips have
lacquer on them to keep them from oxidizing while sitting on the shelf
and it makes for a ton of crap on there at first. Generally I turn on
the iron high (40 watts with this one) and let it sit for 20 minutes,
then clean the tip on the sponge and tin it with rosin core silver
solder and let it sit for 10 minutes. Clean and tin again and it's
ready to go.

>I am using rosiin cored solder.

There's nothing wrong with that, just don't use acid core!

>I am however, much more used to using flux and the big fat sticks of solder.

Nothing wrong with using flux, either, just takes a little more time
since you have to manually add the flux. Usually easier to make better
joints that way anyway.

Try some very small diameter solder. Takes less heat to melt it so it
doesn't drop the temp. of the tip as much. I usually tin everything
with some itty bitty stuff then fill the joint with bigger stuff. I
also generally use nothing but silver solder. A little harder to work
with, but much stronger joints. That's a good thing with the amount of
vibration in an RC car doing 50 mph down the street on stiff
suspension ;)

Bubba
HPI Micro RS4 Viper GTSR- Absolutely not for sale
AE RC10LSS Diablo VT- Maybe for sale
Team Losi JRX2- For Sale
HPI RS4 Sport 2- Wanted, cheap and unbuilt ;)

[Standard63]

I also have to back up what Paul says. CLEAN the tip often with a
sponge or wet paper towel. I've been soldering with mixed results for
years, and finally decided to listen to these guys about cleaning the
tip. What a huge difference! Everything heats up in no time with the
clean tip. Things not heating up? Clean the tip! Heats right up after
that. No lie.

Also, for wires I learned that it is easier to heat them up from the
ends rather than the side. Hold the blade of the iron against the cut
end of the wire, and set the solder on the wire itself. The solder
should start melting at about the same time you start to feel the heat
travel up the wire.
--JD

bubba@beer.com (Bubba) wrote in message news:<3e28f526.341354849@news.houston.sbcglobal.net>...
> On Fri, 17 Jan 2003 08:39:05 -0000, "Gav"
> <gavin.metcalfe@portakabinnospam.com> wrote:
>
> >Thanks for all the advice. Had another go at soldering it last night, think
> >problem is just down to my gas soldering iron not being powerfull enough.
> >I'm gonna get myself a more powerfull soldering iron at the weekend.
>
> I'm having the same problem with a 40 watt iron and 12 ga. wires. I
> think I'll pick up a 150 watt gun and be done with it ;)

[Bubba]

On 22 Jan 2003 14:17:23 -0800, daxo13@hotmail.com (Standard63) wrote:

>I also have to back up what Paul says. CLEAN the tip often with a
>sponge or wet paper towel. I've been soldering with mixed results for
>years, and finally decided to listen to these guys about cleaning the
>tip. What a huge difference! Everything heats up in no time with the
>clean tip. Things not heating up? Clean the tip! Heats right up after
>that. No lie.

It was clean. Brand new, freshly tinned, wiped regularly, just not hot
enough..

>Also, for wires I learned that it is easier to heat them up from the
>ends rather than the side. Hold the blade of the iron against the cut
>end of the wire, and set the solder on the wire itself. The solder
>should start melting at about the same time you start to feel the heat
>travel up the wire.

Won't work. I fan out the ends of the wires so there's a bigger
contact area, which makes a stronger joint. Heating the wire isn't the
problem, it's heating the end of the cell fast enough. 600 mAH cells
for my Micro RS4 aren't a problem, but the 3 AH cells for my 10LSS
were a bit tough.

Bubba
HPI Micro RS4 Viper GTSR- Absolutely not for sale
AE RC10LSS Diablo VT- Maybe for sale
Team Losi JRX2- For Sale
HPI RS4 Sport 2- Wanted, cheap and unbuilt ;)