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MAE Design Studio Soldering Instructions:
The purpose of these instructions is to show you how to solder wire leads to the Robot Kit DC motor. Soldering is both a mechanical and chemical bonding process. Here are a few pointers to get you started:
- Some solder has lead in it. Make sure to work in a ventilated area and to wash your hands after working with lead solder!
- A good solder connection requires a clean surface and a high enough temperature for the solder to melt and flow.
- Preheating the wire or motor tab is critical. Otherwise the solder will freeze on contact and create a “cold solder joint” and you will be left without a proper electrical/mechanical/chemical bond.
- The solder has two components. The solder which melts and remains on the connection and the flux, which cleans the surface of the wire, then burns away. If you find that the solder is not sticking properly you may have burned away all of the flux. Remove the old solder and start again.
- Do NOT thread the wire through the hole in the motor tab! Even though it looks like it could be done. A good solder joint made using these instructions do not require using the motor tab hole.
- Do not leave excessive bare wire exposed. It can cause the motor to electrically short if it touches the motor body.
- If you work with delicate electronics use a lower power soldering iron to prevent damage to the components.
- For more detailed soldering information and techniques please refer to the MAE Safe Soldering Checklist.
Here is a picture of the items that you'll need.
(Soldering iron, solder, helping hands holder, wire, wire stripper, and DC motor)
Always check the tip of the soldering iron to make sure that it's clean and in good shape. If you need to clean the soldering iron tip use the lightly dampen sponge or paper towel on the soldering iron holder.
Strip the insulation from the wire using the wire strippers. 1/4” of bare wire is all that you NEED!
Twist the wire ends to keep all of the individual wire strands together.
Tin the ends of the wire. Notice the soldering iron is under the wire and the solder is being applied to the wire.
Tin the motor tabs. Notice the soldering iron is under the motor tab and lead is being applied from the top.
Now solder the wire to the motor tab. Notice that the wire does NOT go through the holes on the motor tab. The wire is placed alongside the motor tab and the two are heated up until the solder from both flows together.
When you're done, clean the tip of the soldering iron and turn it off.
Whenever you're in doubt please ask for help.
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