LosiSuperTruck

iTrader: (21)

Hi All,
I am new to electric RC and have bought a used TC4 that is coming with some batteries and motors, none of which have wires attached.

I have limited experience with soldering, any tips for me? I have a really hard time soldering because it is hard for me to hold the iron, wire and solder all at the same time...there must be a trick to this as its hard to keep the wire in contact with the connector (ned three hands ).

For wire type, would it be ok to use "Primary Wire" seen here (http://www.powerwerx.com/product.asp?ProdID=3154), I noticed the strand count is considerably different, the primary wire has 19 strands where silicone wire that I took off an old battery had about 36 strands. Gs racing wire claims to have 665 strands (http://www.gsracing.com/web/page.asp...id=121&id=849). Does the strands matter? Does silicone matter? If I use primary automotive wire will I loose any power? It feels just as flexible as sillicone wire and a a fraction of the cost.

Thanks

vassago

No, you need to buy a third hand
(At least that's what they are called over here).
It is a pair of small alligator clips on a stand which can hold the wire and the connector so you have 2 free hands for the solder and the iron.
They go for about $2,50 over here.

Can't tell you about the wire since I haven't seen it. But wire = wire mostly
If it's just as thick it will most likely be just as good.

newracer

To solder make sure eveything is clean and always tin all surfaces before you connect. Balak Racing has a good "how to" on soldering.

Wire isn't all that expensive, it is nice to have it as flexible as possible.

Team Duratrax

I know this is irrelevent but what connections are you using?

I couldn't tell you anything about silicon wire and to what effect the number of strands have but i use Dean's Wetnoodle with 1660 strands of wire.

Sean

cyrrus

iTrader: (5)

Yes pick up a third hand tool. worth every penny. here a tip for you. when your done with your iron. clean it then apply a good coat of solder on the tip. this will keep your tip ready and fresh, and also prolong the life too. One of the guy's at my club is an electronic tech.(great to have he fixed my esc atom.) The wire I beleive the more stands the less resistance you will have. but being flexible is good too. Heck I could be wrong.

LosiSuperTruck

iTrader: (21)

newracer, that is a nice tutorial

....I will be using Deans plugs. Anything I should know about using them?

newracer

you definitly need a third hand tool or mini vise to solder Deans plugs. Practice you soldering skills first, you need to be able to solder Deans quickly so they do not heat up too much and the pins move out of alignment.

calstarjig90j

iTrader: (2)

Third hand tool definetly worth every penny. Here's one that I use to not only to help out with soldering but also as a third eye =). Gives some protection and to help see things a little clearer.

Hyper1

Easy solution here,put the plugs together when soldering wires to them.

scoobydo

iTrader: (1)

Definitely a huge problem with deans plugs. If you keep the heat on too long the plastic will melt and move them out of alignment. You have to be quick with them.