Solder joints are bad.
The only solder joints you should use are
the solder filled heat shrink tube sections used to splice wires together.
Otherwise, don’t use them.
A soldered wire to a hard connection point
can lead to the wire breaking off because of vibration. Solder will
stiffen the wire such that it becomes prone to breaking due to fatigue. It
is much like taking a stiff copper wire and bending back and forth until it
breaks. This doesn’t happen with stranded copper wire, until you
stiffen the strands with solder.
What you want is a good crimp. Don’t
use solder. Don’t use a crimping tool from Radio Shack either.
In fact, if your crimping tool costs less than $100.00, throw it away.
You may spend a lot of money on a proper,
CALIBRATED crimping tool, but these are the only things you should use.
It will take a bit of research, but there
are all sorts of crimping tools and aerospace worthy connectors that will do a
fantastic job for you. You will need a little practice. It will be
well worth the time and money you spend on it. Don’t be cheap…
Kevin
L2K-291
From: Lancair Mailing List [mailto:lml@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of Robert R Pastusek
Sent: Saturday, January 13, 2007
9:10 AM
To: lml
Subject: [LML] Re: Connectors
My complete panel (IV-P with Chelton EFIS)
is removable, but you'll be surprised at the number of connectors needed--power,
signal (LOTS of these), pitot, static and lots of antennae. I built it that way
so I could upgrade/modify it "more easily" over time. It will take a
couple of years or so to tell if it was worth the effort and extra cost.
On connectors--I used AMP phenolic body connectors with gold-plated pins for
power and signal--mostly from Mouser.
I'll pass on some advice Brent Regan
gave me many years ago: The best/most reliable connector is a good solder
joint--or no connector at all. When you must use one, make it the best you can
afford." Starting with this simple and sound advice, I've managed to
scatter connectors all over my airplane, but also have left working loops and
solder connections where possible--trim motor connections to the aircraft wiring,
for example.
I think this is a judgment call in any
case. I'd be interested in hearing from folks that have gone the
"removable panel" route and have then actually done so.
-----Original Message-----
From: Lancair
Mailing List [mailto:lml@lancaironline.net]On Behalf Of Ian Crowe
Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007
5:04 PM
To: lml
Subject: [LML] Connectors
I am going to redo my right hand side instrument panel to
accomodate some new equipment.
I would like to build the panel on the bench and hook it up
in the a/c using connectors. The right hand side of my panel houses all
the switches, circuit breakers and engine gauges. This will make the panel
easily removeable if needs be.
Does anyone have any comments on the idea of using connectors?
Does it pose any questions of reliability or potential failure?
If anyone has done it, what connectors did they use and
where did they get them?
Ian B. Crowe
LNC 2 C-FKRO