Originally Posted by Arwyn Williams
Originally Posted by SCX358G
As an alternate to soldering you could use this crimp rouind head connectors and then connect the two with a small nut/bolt/washer

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This might be more convenient (but possibly less reliable) than soldering if you want the unit to be easily removable.

I always crimp and solder those terminals.

Once lost a top three spot in a rally, when one of those terminals failed due to an ineffective crimp....

Kind regards

Arwyn
I have always thought of that type of crimp connector as a system for amateurs. Proffesional crimp systems are quite different however it appears that pre-insulated terminals are becomming more common. I much prefer the uninsulated terminals that you can easily adda a touch of solder if you wish. They are then insulated with a slip over insulator and/or if necessary some heat shrink.

a quick search found this kit on the US Amazon site but there are plenty of variations.

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As to the original question about soldering irons I use a relatively low cost kit with a variable temperature for all my work on PCBs. I am not a great expert when it comes to soldering but I do manage to (usually) achieve fairly neat results. I occassionally think that I should treat myself to a better kit but I feel that whilst good tools may make a difference technique is equally important. Perhaps i should keep an eye open for a good second hand professional soldering station.


Peter

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