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To Crimp or to Solder ~~ That is the Question
Guys (and gals), Crimp connectors are entirely different animals from solder connectors and they have very different physical attributes. In my 15+ years in the telecommunications industry I have consistently, and absolutely without exception, been advise by manufacturers of crimp connectors of all types, that "CRIMP CONNECTORS SHOULD NEVER BE SOLDERED" (their emphasis, not mine although I absolutely agree). OK, why? Here is where you can flame me. I won't mind. There is a ton of research and experience behind crimp connectors. They have been developed to provide a very reliable connection that fits well with a variety of manufacturing processes, applications, and cost structures. They are used by the millions. Although I am building an experimental aircraft there is no need for me to build an experimental electrical system (don't read this wrong, I don't have an avionics master switch - I'm referring to going somewhere where the manufacturers of the electrical components say not to go.) There are millions of crimp connectors out there. There are also millions of solder connectors out there. ....but there aren't a whole lot of soldered crimp connectors out there. This is where the experimental part comes in. You've got to ask "what quantifiable data exists to support going against the recommendations of the manufacturer?" If you can provide some volume of data to support what you are proposing, then by all means go ahead, that is one of the reasons why we are building experimental aircraft. If you want to "try it out" so that others can benefit, that is also a valid reason in the experimental realm. A good crimp connection will serve the intended purpose of providing a reliable electrical connection that is physically robust. A good solder connection will serve the intended purpose of providing a reliable electrical connection that is physically robust. A soldered crimp connector may have unintended consequences. I don't know since I don't solder my crimp connectors, and I don't crimp my solder connectors. Another question: "What benefit do I get from soldering a crimp connector that isn't available to me from just crimping?" This whole argument is based on "good" crimp connections and "good" solder connections. If you can solder, solder, if you can't then get a supply of high quality crimp connectors and a good crimp tool - and practice. If your crimp connectors are pulling apart then you've mismatched the crimp and the tool, or the crimp and the wire gauge, or all three. What I wouldn't like to see is anyone trying to fix up a poor crimp by filling the gaps with solder. That would be a very poor practice since you've missed out on the physical strength aspects of the connector design even though you may have a functioning electrical connection. From my personal experience with a very wide variety of crimp connectors from DC through to microwave RF, the primary determinant of the quality of the end result is the quality of the crimp tool. In the long run the money spent on a good quality crimp tool will pay itself back in peace of mind and the obvious reliability of your aircraft's electrical system. If you match the connector to the tool to the wire, then you won't have any problems and there will be no need to solder anything. OK, I've preached enough. By all means, add to the base of knowledge by experimenting. That's what were all about. ..neil 601XL/Corvair |