Hi there.... Your soldering actually looks pretty good, but there are a couple of things you could do that would be a little better.
The main one, is where you have made your 90 degree bends, is actually not a good idea, and here is why : First, the extra wire that sticks out from the side can possibly short out eventually through the clear insulation, and remember, SOME typrs of different plugs do not use any kind of insulation. It also can make SOME connectors not want to fit over that extra wire sticking out. The other issue, is if you do screw on the connector, and it is tight due to the extra wire, thus bending those tabs back inwards toward the middle, they can easily touch each other and short out.
the answer is to NOT use the holes in those tabs... here's how: If you tin the wire good, and then lay down a blob of solder on the tab, all you have to do next is take a pair of small pliers, like needlenose, grab the wire within about a half inch of the end, and using the pliers pull the wire over till it touches the tab. While holding it there, place the soldering iron tip on the wire and heat until you see the wire, AND the solder on the tab become one. Remove the soldering iron while holding the pliers very steady a few seconds until the solder cools and grabs, and you are done.
Here is a pic of a connector I soldered ...
See how the wire lead from the resistor just lays against the tab, instead of bending to go through it ? This is what I am referring to. The clear blobs are just hot glue, to prevent anything from shorting out inside the connector.
The only other thing is this : Always use the least amount of solder possible to still get a good connection. Excess solder is NOT a good thing.
But for the most part, your job looks great !!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Prog Rock Man /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I have been practising and this is my first serious attempt at soldering. This is a cheap jack from Maplins and some cheap unnamed cable. I tinned the cable, put a little bend on it to go through the hole in the tab and then soldered. The soldering appears to be fine, but from these pictures can any of you tell if it looks OK or not?
The solder has stuck to the cable and tab. It looks smooth. Can someone also confirm if once tinned do you still try to heat the cable with the soldering iron to melt the solder or do you touch the solder with the iron to melt it around the wire tip at the tab.
Thanks! Brilliant new hobby this!!
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