RailPro > RailPro Specific Help & Discussion

Soldering techniques for hardwiring installs

(1/3) > >>

G8B4Life:
Just wondering what techniques / ideas others have for soldering wires to each other when hardwiring an install. Specifically, I really hate trying to join two wires end-on (eg, pick up wires); and then adding the harness wire as well. Please note miniature connectors aren't really an option.

Previously (back when I installed some DCC decoders) I tried having a small piece of vero board and soldering to the traces on that which worked ok but even that is no good anymore expect for a few certain wide body loco's now that I'm using sound.

Any good techniques / ideas / tips anyone?

- Tim

William Brillinger:
I like to:

* slip a piece of shrink tube over one of the wires
* bare a few mm's of each wire and tin them
* heat one of the ends and set the other wire onto it, making a lap joint
* slip the shrink tube over the joint
* heat the shrink tube with the iron to seal it in place

KPack:
Similar to Bill for me.  When I solder two wires together I use one of those desktop hobby alligator clip thingies.  I have no idea what it's called.  Basically a series of arms with two alligator clips, one for each wire. I position them so the wires are touching, and it holds everything in place while I solder the two togther.  Then shrink tube over the joint.

-Kevin

William Brillinger:
Yes, I use the "helping hands" to hold one end, I prefer to have the other end free for adjustments.

https://www.google.ca/search?q=helping+hand+magnifier

nodcc4me:
I also use lap joints with a little flux and shrink tube. If there is room I use a barbecue ignitor with a small flame near the tubing. Of course, you have to be careful of nearby wires and you don't want to melt the tubing. If there isn't enough room I use the soldering iron.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page