Could someone explain to me (as if I was completely dumb, which I am) how to solder & heat shrink a connection? Pictures would be great. I've always used crimp connections and would like to explore using solder & heat shrink. What type of materials, solder, equipment etc would also be helpful.
Thanks
Craig
Propper Soldering/Heat shrinking instructions
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firefighter2000
- Posts: 304
- Joined: Thu Feb 24, 2005 10:46 am
- What radios do you own?: XTS3000 MTS2000 M1225 HT1000
-
firefighter2000
- Posts: 304
- Joined: Thu Feb 24, 2005 10:46 am
- What radios do you own?: XTS3000 MTS2000 M1225 HT1000
Anyone?
Anyone?
It's really not that hard...
Cut a length of heat-shrink appropriate to cover your solder joint, plus extra on each end. I recommend the adhesive water-proof stuff - bear in mind that it will NOT come off (you can cut the generic stuff off).
Strip each side of your connection to equal lengths.
Twist the wires together - remember, solder is an electrical connection only - the connection should be physically stable before you solder. Depending on the size of wire, I'll often split each side into two halves (halves of strands), then twist it together that way.
Apply the soldering iron to the bottom of the wire and heat it up. Apply your solder from the top. The goal of soldering is to NOT apply solder, but rather to flow it through the connection. The first time you get this right, you'll know what I mean.
Of course, don't stay on the connection too long, as you'll burn off insulation/etc.
It gets more entertaining when you're dealing with multiconductor cable (trying to make all of the conductors straight/equal length), really big wire (get a torch), or really small stuff (if it's satin wire, fuggedaboutit.)
Cut a length of heat-shrink appropriate to cover your solder joint, plus extra on each end. I recommend the adhesive water-proof stuff - bear in mind that it will NOT come off (you can cut the generic stuff off).
Strip each side of your connection to equal lengths.
Twist the wires together - remember, solder is an electrical connection only - the connection should be physically stable before you solder. Depending on the size of wire, I'll often split each side into two halves (halves of strands), then twist it together that way.
Apply the soldering iron to the bottom of the wire and heat it up. Apply your solder from the top. The goal of soldering is to NOT apply solder, but rather to flow it through the connection. The first time you get this right, you'll know what I mean.
Of course, don't stay on the connection too long, as you'll burn off insulation/etc.
It gets more entertaining when you're dealing with multiconductor cable (trying to make all of the conductors straight/equal length), really big wire (get a torch), or really small stuff (if it's satin wire, fuggedaboutit.)