ec3 and ec5 plugs

[firhwk2]

Does anyone have any easy tricks how to solder wire to ec3 or ec5 plugs seem to have trouble locking the gold connectors in the plugs thanks ken

[LawnDartHeli]

I just stand them up on the table and use a small flat head screwdriver to get on top of the actual connector..then a light tap on the handle of the screwdriver to pop it in place. Just be sure the tip is right up against the wire and on top of the solder.

[Jmann841]

The solder has to be perfectly clean on the outside so nothing but gold showing.

The easiest way to solder EC3 and EC5's is to use a butane torch. I got a Butane Torch soldering iron from Home Depot for 10 bucks and it makes it a breeze.

Just secure the bullet connector, heat the connector, melt some solder in there then insert the wire. Hold it in there for a few seconds to ensure the solder heats up the wire and gets a good connection so you don't get a cold solder joint.

Then just push it into the plsatic with a flathead. As long as the outside has no solder on it, it should go right in.

[TheBum]

There are a lot of YT videos on the subject.

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...=soldering+ec5

[LawnDartHeli]

I took a piece of red oak trim and used my drill index to make nice, snug holes for each size connector. I just drilled them deep enough to reach the locking barb on the connector, then I can rest the iron against the side of the connector and it frees my other hand to insert the wire and hold. I also drilled and inserted an alligator clip to hold wires so I can tin them.

[Dejavu*Xion]

Originally Posted by Jmann841

The solder has to be perfectly clean on the outside so nothing but gold showing.

The easiest way to solder EC3 and EC5's is to use a butane torch. I got a Butane Torch soldering iron from Home Depot for 10 bucks and it makes it a breeze.

Just secure the bullet connector, heat the connector, melt some solder in there then insert the wire. Hold it in there for a few seconds to ensure the solder heats up the wire and gets a good connection so you don't get a cold solder joint.

Then just push it into the plsatic with a flathead. As long as the outside has no solder on it, it should go right in.

+1 . . . Word for word. . Same here

[Slyster]

Here's my tried and true method

SO easy and so secure

Soldering EC5 connectors with a torch lighter. (3 min 16 sec)

[scott s]

65 watt soldering iron with a good wide chisel tip does it for me. These things are so easy to solder and install. Be happy you are not dealing with deans connectors that we had to use for years LOL! Now they really suck!

[pctomlin]

I use the Weller 8200 with the wide chisel tip at the 100w setting, makes EC3 and EC5 soldering a snap. Just like above, a small flat blade screwdriver to snap them into place.

[jadewarrior]

Plug a mating plastic housing into the one you're going to be pushing the bullets into. It will keep you from mangling the thin plastic around the bullets. Also, if it hasn't already been mentioned, do it right after soldering while the bullets are still warm. Not hot enough to melt the plastic, but still plenty warm. They'll go in easier. If you still have difficulty, see if you have "backwards" connectors. There are some out there where you feed the wire through the plastic housing first, solder the bullet and then pull the wire back through the housing to snap the bullet in place.

[EEngineer]

What they're saying....is that you have to fabricate a soldering jig.

The two most common soldering mistakes, are:

1) Too little heat on the connector.

2) If one allows the slightest movement, when the iron is removed, a cold joint is almost always the result.

As was mentioned, a simple block of wood.....even balsa obtained from your LHS...

can be drilled...or whatever....holding the connector in place.....allowing one to feed solder with one hand, while keeping iron heat on the connector with the other hand....fill up the connector "solder cup".....look for a solder "fillet"....

And #3) is...

Trying to rush the process....take your time...it takes 3x the time to "setup" the jig....as it does to ensure a proper solder connection.....this process is critical to ensure the results that you expect.....if one cuts corners, well...

FWIW

[jadewarrior]

Originally Posted by EEngineer

Trying to rush the process....take your time...it takes 3x the time to "setup" the jig....as it does to ensure a proper solder connection.....this process is critical to ensure the results that you expect.....if one cuts corners, well...

Absolutely. Great advice. Do not rush soldering jobs. Unfortunately, sometimes people do this because it generally comes towards the end of a build and they're antsy to fly. They very often get impatient. I've been guilty of it myself in the past. And, it bit me.

[cyjonz]

This is probably the best video.

Soldering EC5 Connectors (9 min 44 sec)

[satgod]

Originally Posted by Slyster

Here's my tried and true method

SO easy and so secure

Soldering EC5 connectors with a torch lighter. - YouTube

Very close to what I do
you do need to keep applying heat after you insert the wire into the bullet for at least 10 seconds to bring the wire up to temp to prevent any chance of a cold solder joint.

Other than that and I let mine cool at room temp. Fast cooling can contribute to a cold joint also

Always make sure you heat is not directed toward your battery pack

I used a iron for years but a small butane torch is much quicker and easer with all bullet connectors

[spykez]

My little contribution is that if you get a bit of solder on the outside of the bullet, take a nail file to it, so the connector slides in.

[Jeff_Barrett]

Some of the knock-off plugs don't "lock" the bullets in well at all.

If you're having a hard time getting them to lock into the blue connector, try heating the bullets up a little.