solder less electrics
 

Is there such a thing I hate soldering I'm useless at it and I don't have surgeons steady hand

Speed passion reventon R combo doesnt need to be soldered

Soldering can be learnt and it is a great skill to have. I have taught a few people and it really does not take long, if you have the coordination to race an RC car you have the coordination to solder. Soldering the big wires we need onto ESC and motors is a little harder than some but a decent high power iron, good solder (not lead-free) and keeping everything clean and tinned will solve most things.

If you race in the Mid-South region, PM me and I will happily take you through a few tips and tricks.

Great link to a very thorough post on Soldering. He does go on a bit but its shorter than buying a book on it. Be careful on youtube, there are some that are not ideal

http://www.rctech.net/forum/radio-el...ef-lesson.html

Thanks guys

Daz

I have shaky hands too, (PITA!) but have bought a mega modelling thingy with crocodile clips which has improved my soldering massively. Below is a link to it on amazon, though I got mine for £5 in a local hardware store. (Silverline tools version) I don't use the magnifying glass very often, but the croc clips are ace for holding stuff exactly where you want it.

I only use the basic Core RC soldering Iron and Schumacher solder and have soldered ESC's, motors, connectors etc no problem. Keep a wet/damp sponge (kitchen scourer will do) nearby and whenever the iron gets dirty/too loaded with solder, just wipe it over the sponge. (it'll burn the sponge a bit but don't worry, keeps iron clean a treat)

Have a look...you'll have spare hands! HTH

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Accmart-Heav...ing+Bench+Tool

I just shout can someone solder this for me!

Normal more offers than you need.

And an't that the truth

I have been soldering for many years and definitely use a good iron don't chance it with a cheap thing especially when soldering onto the esc, although they are designed to get hot holding a hot iron on them won't help so use solder flux even if the solder has a flux core dab a bit of flux on the contacts and flux then tin the wire ends also.
if the tip doesn't hold the solder and it bobbles off it it's probably time to change it as you will probably find it difficult to use.
I'm sure I have seen soldering jigs on hobby King or some where similar that might help also.

Try brewsters of Plymouth for lead based solder :D:thumbsup:

What do you need doing buddy?

Thinking of getting some stuff for my lads so will need to do a load of soldering I'm sure I've seen motors with a connector attached so you can just plug em in guess it's a self made thibg tho

Speedpassion is on plugs. But the plugs need soldering to the wires first...

Mine came ready soldered - admitedly I had to shorten the leads and then resolder the plugs...

Are they as cheap as turnigy :D

Old thread bump :lol:

I bought a 100 watt soldering iron recently and it just seems too hot. The whole thing was glowing

So I reckon I need a less powerful one. Any recommendations? Also want one that has replacement tips available

The wattage should have nothing to do with the heat it generates. The high wattage just means it can keep a bigger tip or a bigger solder joint at the right temperature. If it is too hot then it is broken. For metal to glow it needs to be over 600 deg C which is waaaay too hot for soldering. I have two main irons both over 100W and even flat out they don't get close to glowing. You should be looking at around 350 to 370 deg C for soldering ESC and motors, fine electronics can be lower around 320 deg C.

The best mains soldering iron and value for money is the Quick 202D for around £115, used to be sold by LRP for over £250.

https://www.pmtech.co.uk/quick-202d-...g-station.html

For mobile use I use the Portasol Gas iron which I think is a massive bargain

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003H6NN...a-420455844133

Both have interchangeable tips and the Portasol also has a hot air tip which is brilliant for heat shrink tubing.

Thanks Gareth £115 is way out of my price range tho

Try the Corally soldering station as an alternative, at almost half the price these are both very good and excellent value for money too.....

if your like me and cant afford hundreds for a new iron,
i have one of the ones below and i know a few other people that use these and we have had no problems with them,
tips are like 10 for a fiver and a replacement iron with heating element, tip and wire is only £2 - £3

the unit itself is this one

https://www.amazon.co.uk/KATSU-Tools...&keywords=936d

you can buy a digital display version but they have a design flaw and the 5 pin plug can seperate from the board and you have to do some soldering to make it work again. ( bridging contacts )

Thanks which tips do you buy for it?