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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 General Sailing Forum
 soldering problem		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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SteveG
1st Mate

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51 Posts
Initially Posted - 04/24/2005 :  18:15:42  Show Profile
Hi Guys,

This is rather embarassing... I'm having problems soldering a deck connector. I bought a new deck connector to replace the one that connects the power to the mast head and foredeck lights. After tinning the soldering gun, I place the solder against the wire as it's sitting in the socket, when I place the solder at the juncture, it just clumps up and sticks to the wire! Nothing goes into the hole. Any ideas? I think the socket may be brass, is that my problem? If so, how do I make the connection?

The embarassing part is that I used to be an electronics technician and now I can't even solder right! Oh well, I guess that's why they moved me into management, they don't want me to touch anything.

Thanks in advance,
Steve Gravel
Portsmouth, RI
C25 - 'Lady Jane'
SR/FK
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Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1016 Posts
Response Posted - 04/24/2005 :  18:36:59  Show Profile
Steve - Doesn't the new deck connector allow for screwing the wires into place rather than soldering?
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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts
Response Posted - 04/24/2005 :  18:49:24  Show Profile
If solder isn't sticking to the terminal on the connector, it's either not getting hot enough or it is dirty. Are you using rosin core solder?

To solder wire to a proper terminal, first, tin the wire. Next, after cleaning the terminal on the connector, apply a small amount of solder to it. Lastly, reheat the terminal and place the wire in it when the solder starts to flow.

If necessary, add more solder, but remember that the saying, "the bigger the glob, the better the job", isn't correct!

Steve, what type of deck connector did you use?
Edited by - dlucier on 04/24/2005 18:51:57
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SteveG
1st Mate

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51 Posts
Response Posted - 04/24/2005 :  19:12:49  Show Profile
No, this connector isn't the screw terminal type, although I wish it was.

Thanks for the tips Don. I'll go back and give it another try when I've cooled down. I thought I had the terminal hot enough, it looks as though the insulation around the terminal is starting to soften.

I don't know what kind of connector it is. It's a two part connector, one part to replace the one on the mast wiring and one for the deck. The deck plug has four thick pins in it that make the connection. Underneath, there are four sockets embeded in a black plastic insulation for the wires. It looks like the original deck plug, except that it's chrome plated.
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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts
Response Posted - 04/24/2005 :  19:46:34  Show Profile  Visit Frank Hopper's Homepage
I was just commenting that I wish there were a better connector than this one...

But until there is I suggest you throw yours away and go get this one. It has screws for the terminals! And if this is the one you have then your embarrassment has just begun
Edited by - Frank Hopper on 04/24/2005 19:48:09
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SteveG
1st Mate

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51 Posts
Response Posted - 04/24/2005 :  20:03:08  Show Profile
Yep, you're right... that's the connector and I'm an idiot! I don't have the directions for the connector and my eyesight ain't what it used to be! Thanks for showing me the error of my ways. Well, at least it's not my soldering skills that are the problem...
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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts
Response Posted - 04/24/2005 :  21:32:28  Show Profile  Visit Leon Sisson's Homepage
Steve G,

Two words Dude -- reading glasses. They're cheap. Throw a really strong pair in your toolbox for close up work. I used to fabricate electronic prototypes for the aerospace industry. Everybody in the shop, from the youngest hip-hopping whipper snapper to the creakiest white haired old timer, never hesitated to use magnification for detail work. Not doing so was considered just plain dumb.

-- Leon Sisson
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.