16 March 2015
A
popular method of connecting your motor lead wires to the braid in your
guide is to use small Allen (hex head) type screws.
Simply called the
"Set Screw Connection", when it is done properly it provides a very
reliable connection.
This
method has been around a long time and
some companies like Slot.it use it in their ready to run models. It
creates a very secure connection that I prefer over using
the press-in ferrule method.
The
only drawback to it is
that it can actually damage the wires you are trying to secure. As you
install the screw, these same threads that help provide a solid
connection can cut the small strands your wire is made up with and
results in a weaker connection.
If
you are familiar with this method then you can just scroll down and
quickly you will see my approach. Pretty simple, just tin and flatten.
But there are some
that are new to our hobby so I want to discuss it more in depth.
The following is a
reference list of the parts I use.
You might have
your own sources for these items. Please disregard if you have your own
source/brand.
They are listed
as a courtesy for newcomers and for reference.
These are the
part numbers/brands I use and therefore featured in the article.
Suggested
List Of Materials
Soldering
IronRosin Core Solder
8"
Linesman Pliers
For this method to
work properly, you need to try and use the correct size and type of
wire.
Too small of a diameter will lead to reduced
current flow and strength.
Too large a diameter will result in fitment
issues. There is not much room where this wire must go.
Combined with the screw that creates the pressure
inside the guide, 22 AWG
is as large as you need.
For our regular "home" type motors, you don't
need any larger diameter wire.
22 AWG is ideal for the low amperage draw these
motors have.
You
also want a wire with a
flexible insulation coating.
Silicone is ideal
for this. Silicone coated wire is primarily designed for rapid and
repeated movement.
You want your guide to turn as freely as possible, so reducing any
binding when you can is highly advised.
Before
you trim your wire, take a little time to see how much you need to
remove.
This is not that critical of a step, but gives you a cleaner
appearance.
I use the guide as a guide.
Slot.it &
ScaleAuto guides shown for reference only. Measure the guide you will
use accordingly.
Measure the front bulkhead of the guide as shown.
This will tell you how much insulation you need to remove.
You do NOT want the wire
going all the way through the guide bulkhead and sticking out the
bottom. That is why I suggest this step.
Now
that you know how far to trim, let's trim away. As you can see
from the photo above, I removed approximately 3 mm of coating.
Now you can TIN the end of
the wire. Remember, just a slight amount is needed to flow
into the wire.
Once you have tinned the
wire, use your pliers and flatten the end as shown below.
Your
wire end should look very close to the above photo. The wire is now
ready for installation.
In most cases I always
prefer to install the braid and wire while the guide is removed from
the car.
I just find it much easier to work with in this manner.
Once
you install your braid, use a toothpick or like item to form the braid
inside the bulkhead. This helps ease the installation of the set screw.
Installing
the wire is easiest when the guide is removed from the car. It requires
a fair amount of pressure to get the screw started but not anything
excessive.
One
thing you want to do is to try and hold the wire
as centered as possible with one hand while inserting the screw.
Sometimes it will move to one side a little, but usually that does not
hurt anything.
As long as you have a good contact area between the wire
and the braid, you will be fine.
I
installed and then removed a wire to show you how the screw threads
into the tinned wire. You can see the threads it cuts, but it does not
cut through the strands.
This
is what the finished wire installed looks like.
Hope
this small tip helps some of you.
- Harry
Feel free to contact
me about this article or just our hobby in general.
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