Managing the PLWO's heavy duty transistor buss connections

[jbeckva]

I figured I would ask before I dive in here. So I have the original style sockets (the square ones) and I'm ready to wire up one side. I am going with the original design on the buss wires, and to that effect have bought some solid 14 gauge bare wire for them.

So before I mess 'er up, any good tips out there from the guru's on the best way to position these and solder 'em up? Do I need a big bertha iron or will a 45 watter do the trick? I do have a tub of flux, so I hope that and a good amount of heat will do it. TIA!

 

[mlucitt]

Re: Managing the PLWO's heavy duty transistor buss connectio

My Weller WTCP Series is 60 Watt and it baely does the job on those large buss wires. I also have one of the big stick 200 Watt irons and that one will melt anything but it takes 30 minutes to warm up.

The best tip I can give you is have a clutter-free area near the connection and make sure the connection is good and solid mechanically before you get it hot. The solder will flow toward the heat so feed it gradually and let it penetrate and then keep it still for awhile after you remove the heat because those big buss wires take a while to "set" otherwise you will have a cold joint.

 

[laatsch55]

Re: Managing the PLWO's heavy duty transistor buss connectio

And don't forget the sleeving, it really does prevent shorting disasters. Jer my Weller 51 station does ok at 100%which is right at 60 like Mark's. When I have morte than touchup, I get out the 150 watt single point Weller I've had for years to do truck wiring, can't be beat for the big shit.