XT90 soldering and best technique

[tomjasz]

Found on FB. Nicely done!

 

[Gionnirocket]

Done very well... But the heat shrink is the easy part
The technique of soldering large wires to a post without overheating it.. that's what takes skill and practice and is hard to demonstrate, especially in photos.
He does do one trick that I've taught myself which is to partially attach the mating connector to act as a heatsink and maintain pin position. If the plastic does overheat, the pins will remain true when all has cooled.

 

[indianajo]

No picture is shown of the iron. I used Weller WP45 without success and later Sears 130 W pistol. Part of the problem is 12 ga wire proper to carry 30 amps.
I find XT90 & 60 melt and the pins go out of line: Unless you attach a mating plug during soldering. Even with lots of heat they come off out on the road. I cut the XT90 off the luna battery & crimped on dorman insulated .250 flag terminals out at the summer camp where I don't have a vise. Make plus & minus different sex so you can't cross them up.

 

[AHicks]

I've found it's important to have both the wires and the terminals pre-tinned. I use a very old (40 years+?) Weller gun that's still working somehow, and with the pre-tinning, find I can generally make pretty quick work when making the connection. I do give the connector time to cool between wire solder sessions. -Al

 

[Gionnirocket]

I've found it's important to have both the wires and the terminals pre-tinned. I use a very old (40 years+?) Weller gun that's still working somehow, and with the pre-tinning, find I can generally make pretty quick work when making the connection. I do give the connector time to cool between wire solder sessions. -Al

I concur.
Also scuffing the solder cup with some emery or small hobby file helps to tin it.

 

[tomjasz]

No picture is shown of the iron. I used Weller WP45 without success and later Sears 130 W pistol. Part of the problem is 12 ga wire proper to carry 30 amps.
I find XT90 & 60 melt and the pins go out of line: Unless you attach a mating plug during soldering. Even with lots of heat they come off out on the road. I cut the XT90 off the luna battery & crimped on dorman insulated .250 flag terminals out at the summer camp where I don't have a vise. Make plus & minus different sex so you can't cross them up.

I use a very controllable TS100. Ive never melted a connector. You’re simply overheating. I use the smallest tips.

 

[tomjasz]

I concur.
Also scuffing the solder cup with some emery or small hobby file helps to tin it.

Never have but I imagine it would help.

 

[tomjasz]

But the heat shrink is the easy part

I find that it’s really helpful for virgin soldering customers. They benefit from graphics showing best or good methods. Starting out I struggled to find any pictures or help. The first few in 2014 were a cluster F. I forgot to get all my shrink wrap lined out. Being a garden guy without ever having any wiring experience I made ALL the mistakes. Oddly I never over heated the connectors. Likely dumb luck.

 

[Gionnirocket]

I find that it’s really helpful for virgin soldering customers. They benefit from graphics showing best or good methods. Starting out I struggled to find any pictures or help. The first few in 2014 were a cluster F. I forgot to get all my shrink wrap lined out. Being a garden guy without ever having any wiring experience I made ALL the mistakes. Oddly I never over heated the connectors. Likely dumb luck.

I concur...
Photos are helpful.
A video is usually a little better..especially to help with soldering techniques and some explanation /instruction.
And then practice makes perfect.