PP60C CNC port question

[SeanMurphy265]

I have a dumb question. Do I have to solder my wires into the connector on the back of the cutter, or can I get some crimp on connectors? I went to Auto Zone and they had no connectors that small.

[Rodsmachineshop]

didnt you get a plug for the back . I got one with my power plasma 50

[SeanMurphy265]

I got the plug no wire, but let me go look!

[Rodsmachineshop]

i got just the plug only no wire had to solder wires onto plug

[SeanMurphy265]

[Brian Ski]

It looks like that style of plug needs the wires soldered to it. It will make the connection a lot more secure. You do not need to crimp them just fresh cut the wire, give the copper a little twist, tin the wire (apply solder just enough to wet the wire). Then lay the wire in the slot, then a touch more solder to set in place.

[Rodsmachineshop]

yes same as my plug sorta hard to solder since so small i use a helping hand holding set up when i soldered my wires .

[SeanMurphy265]

That's what I was afraid of.... My soldering abilities are not very good! If I can get them stuck on I will put some heat shrink tubes around the connections.

[Brian Ski]

That's what I was afraid of.... My soldering abilities are not very good! If I can get them stuck on I will put some heat shrink tubes around the connections.

To bad you are not around here.. I would knock it out for you... See if you can find someone who is. You probably want a very reliable connection at that point. Soldering isn't that bad but it does take practice. I have been doing it for a long time.

You can use a gun or iron. Use good flux core solder from an electronics place. (Radio shack) Don't use pipe solder, or acid core... If the wires are clean as the solder melts it will flow right into the wires. Also heat the wire not the solder so the solder flows into the wire. Use a pretty clean tip.

Maybe try a tv or cb repair place and they can for it for you for a couple bucks. Maybe even ask the radio shack guy if he knows anyone. To bad Radio shack is now all cell phones... instead of electronics.

[Rodsmachineshop]

you need a pencil solder iron then easy to solder

[undercut]

you need a pencil solder iron then easy to solder

A) Make sure the tip is CLEAN. Unless it is brand new, let it get hot and then wipe it with a damp sponge.

B) Touch the solder iron tip with some fresh solder - just enough to coat it evenly. If you want, wipe with a damp sponge again.

C) Let it get hot (again).

Some will say the next step is not necessary but for those who are new at it, it can help ensure the connector doesn't get too hot and start melting on you.

D) Put the tip under the freshly cut wire end (away from the connector) and touch it with solder until you coat it and then stop. Do this for all of the wire ends. Clean the tip if you feel it is getting dirty.

E) Depends on whether you can somehow mechanically connect the wire to the connector. If you can do that then continue. If you can't mechanically connect them, you will need to physically hold the wire so that the end touches the connector.

F) Put the tip under the connector and wire combination and touch it with solder until you coat them both and then stop. This is where Rod's suggestion of a third hand might come in handy.

Not much unlike welding aluminum. Keep everything clean. Try not to apply too much heat but ensure the tip is hot before you do anything.

Hope this helps.

[Brian Ski]

Good ideas... Just make sure you do not move the wire until it cools... Only a few seconds... If it does move the solder will look kind of frosty... Called a cold solder joint and it is not a good connection.

[undercut]

Good ideas... Just make sure you do not move the wire until it cools... Only a few seconds... If it does move the solder will look kind of frosty... Called a cold solder joint and it is not a good connection.

Thanks, Brian. That is a point I definitely should not have forgotten.

If you are going to use heat shrink tubing, don't forget to put those over the wires BEFORE you solder! I've done this rookie mistake too many times to count .... Test the continuity of your soldered wires before you heat shrink anything.

I know, a lot of steps but if you follow each one, your confidence in soldering will grow immensely because you won't be fighting stuff not sticking, stuff coming apart, plastic melting, etc.

[Brian Ski]

Thanks, Brian. That is a point I definitely should not have forgotten.

If you are going to use heat shrink tubing, don't forget to put those over the wires BEFORE you solder! I've done this rookie mistake too many times to count ....

I have done that quite a few times too... Same with the plug cover!!! BTW if the heat shrink is too close to the soldered wire it can shrink before you get to slide it in place. Ask me how I know...

Ha the years spent inhaling rosin core fumes.... Anyone know what a TRS-80 LNW expansion board is???

[SeanMurphy265]

I would pay $25.00 for a pre-wired and numbered cable! I only soldered pins 1,2 & 5,7 but that is slow going.

[Brian Ski]

I would pay $25.00 for a pre-wired and numbered cable! I only soldered pins 1,2 & 5,7 but that is slow going.

I can't leave a guy hanging... If you can't find anyone local shoot me a PM. I can knock it out for you...

[SeanMurphy265]

I got it finished! Everything is wired up and ready!

[Brian Ski]

I got it finished! Everything is wired up and ready!

Good to hear... Just like welding... Soldering does take a little practice... Helps to have clean wires and connections.

[posixPilot]

That's what I was afraid of.... My soldering abilities are not very good! If I can get them stuck on I will put some heat shrink tubes around the connections.

Sean,

How many pins do you need wired? I would be happy to solder on some cat 5 (8 wires) and send you the coupler I received with my 256 . Just let me know. I think cat 5 would be adequate (gauge) for the application.

Cheers
Mike

[Rodsmachineshop]

soldering those little pins is a pain thank god i have my lighted magnifier or i would not been able to solder my plug . the joys of getting older and crappy eye sight lol