tsmsoccer 11 Report post Posted February 3, 2020 Just wondering if anyone has had experience with soldering magabraid to wire. Refer to the picture I am currently using Alligator clips to connect power for each lane to the track. While it works fine I do not have any need to disconnect and reconnect the alligator clips so was thinking I should have a more permanent connection. Anyone have any success connecting the power wires directly to braid. From the pic you can see the alligator clips currently clip directly yo each lane Thanks Charlie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZeGas 65 Report post Posted February 4, 2020 How about spade clips? You can clamp to magnabraid and solder if you want and same with wire. I use a flux pen before soldering, it helps heaps Quote Cheers Grant ....................................................... Home Track..........Corvette C1 Build..........McLaren M1A Build..........Maserati 300S Build..........Allard J2 Build..........50's Diner..........Iso Griffo A3C 3D Printed Adjustable Chassis..........3D Print Projects If life gives you lemons, take them, free s#!t is cool. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SlotsNZ 115 Report post Posted February 4, 2020 I usually bring the tails down under the track, staple them to the track, then the wires from the controller station to that. With a decent strong staple gun they are locked in good and tight. 1 Quote My Track Oakland Raceway V2 HMBRC Club Website Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vinno 84 Report post Posted February 4, 2020 I use good sized bp connectors they clamp up nice and tight. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
munter 153 Report post Posted February 4, 2020 Chocolate box connectors? is that what these are called? 1/4" braid goes through easily Quote John Warren Slotcars are my preferred reality Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Garry J 23 Report post Posted February 4, 2020 terminal strip 1 Quote Cheers, Garry J Old age and treachery will overcome youth and skill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SlotsNZ 115 Report post Posted February 4, 2020 Chocolate box connectors? is that what these are called? Yeah they are, and it deeply upsets me - they taste awful, and the screws get stuck in my teeth Quote My Track Oakland Raceway V2 HMBRC Club Website Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drifter 30 Report post Posted February 5, 2020 To solder to braid, I find this works well.... 1. Use a soldering iron with a large tip. 2. If it has temperature control, turn it up ~20 degrees C 3. Put a non residue flux on the braid, don't be shy. It aids with heat transfer as well as oxidisation. 4. Tin the wire you are going to solder on to the braid. 5. Load the tip of the iron with solder so when you make contact with the braid there is some stored heat in the solder and it helps heat transfer. The braid will absorb a lot of heat from the iron ( because that hat copper does), so when you put the iron on the braid wait about 5 secs for the iron's temperature to recover. At this point start feeding a little more solder in until you have a small molten pool. 6.Bring your pretinned wire in, and place it in the pool. Hold in place with a screwdriver etc. and take the iron away allowing it all to cool. 7. Doing this from underneath a table / track is very hard. Quote www.sydneyslotcars.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
munter 153 Report post Posted February 5, 2020 Good explanation Drifter. Soldering upside down isn’t easy hence the chocolate block solution. Eye protection is recommended. Quote John Warren Slotcars are my preferred reality Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aussieslotter 47 Report post Posted February 6, 2020 (edited) Solder if possible. It’s cheaper and fail proof. Edited February 6, 2020 by aussieslotter Quote www.scorpiuswireless.com The original wireless digital system with GRUNT. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
32coupe 20 Report post Posted February 6, 2020 I use standard 240v fitings, the kind most electricians use, you can get them at bunnings. Quote A man without a woman is like a neck without a pain. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
munter 153 Report post Posted February 6, 2020 (edited) and fail proof..... ever heard of a dry solder joint? I had to edit that as I left out the word solder and I didn't want any ambiguity creeping in. Edited February 6, 2020 by munter Quote John Warren Slotcars are my preferred reality Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drifter 30 Report post Posted February 7, 2020 Good point munter.... Step 8. Once cooled apply force to the wire, about the same as you would tying a shoelace to test you have a good solder joint. Quote www.sydneyslotcars.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tsmsoccer 11 Report post Posted February 7, 2020 Thanks for the tips all I managed to solder the wire and braid following the tips provided Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aussieslotter 47 Report post Posted February 7, 2020 (edited) and fail proof..... ever heard of a dry solder joint? I had to edit that as I left out the word solder and I didn't want any ambiguity creeping in. Well some people can’t solder and some can’t even use a screw driver. Take your pick. BTW it’s called a cold solder joint. Edited February 7, 2020 by aussieslotter Quote www.scorpiuswireless.com The original wireless digital system with GRUNT. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
munter 153 Report post Posted February 7, 2020 Both terms are used Quote John Warren Slotcars are my preferred reality Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dangermouse 95 Report post Posted February 7, 2020 Your not mixing solder and shoulder are you - LOL dry and cold solder joints are the same thing - maybe those south of the border use 'cold' but us tropical folk and it seems those across the ditch call it a dry solder joint I had to look up cold solder joint never heard that before - probably like flannel and washer or bathers and togs...... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
munter 153 Report post Posted February 7, 2020 What are you shaying DM? Quote John Warren Slotcars are my preferred reality Share this post Link to post Share on other sites