Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Wilks
We only use solder for small joints on the bot such as sensors. Why would any medium or large joints be anything other than crimped?
|
Bigger joints, like the ones used to mount wires on Banebots. I don't know how other teams do it, but our joints are pretty heavy duty. We don't do too many small joints, as we have plenty of adapters and splitter cables from previous seasons.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Wilks
Given that lead-free solder always has a higher melting temperature than lead solder, I can't see the logic of this statement.
|
Congratulations on winning at IRI
Couldn't agree with sanddrag more. Leaded solder has a lower melting temperature, meaning the iron will take less wear when using it. This is because metal has a tendency to oxidize faster at higher temperatures. Tin is brittle and weak(for a metal), while lead is malleable and holds to itself very well. This is why an iron in storage will be preserved better if it is tinned using Leaded solder. If you are using the iron and solder properly, Leaded solder is no more dangerous than lead-free. As long as you don't set your iron above 600F or so, the fumes from lead solder will be all flux.
efoote, I have never heard of soldering the anderson connectors. We have a special set of crimpers designed for powerpoles and, when used properly, they work extremely well.