Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
OT: Electronics Question
Robert Hutchins
>My Kenwood CD/Radio with USB came today (after my knee was knifed - bummer) and looks to be very simple to install with the supplied adaptor kit; however, I need advice about connecting the adaptor wires. Would it be worth the trouble to solder the wires and cover with heatshrink material, as opposed to crimp connectors? I know practically nothing about electronics but can use a soldering iron competently (but not professionally).
TIA
Re: OT: Electronics Question
Larry Marker in Alabama
>All the commercial outfits use crimp connectors - usually the kind that don't require that you strip the wire. They punch right through the insulation. I've had those fail over time, but usually in a case where they are under the vehicle connecting a trailer plug or some such and exposed to a lot of icky environment.
Me? I like to solder the connections with heat-shrink tubing. If it's exposed to the weather, I then wrap it in electrical tape.
Overkill? My friends think so, but I've never had one fail.
Larry
Re: OT: Electronics Question
Phil Joines Krum, Tx
>I don't solder and shrink unless it for a wet location. If you want it realy water proof cut a sliver of hot melt glue and stick it in the tubing before you shrink it.
Re: OT: Electronics Question
Falberg saw Co
>When in doubt - solder. Wire oxidizes over time; why chance it?
Re: OT: Electronics Question
John Ergle in SC
>A buddy of mine who is a major "audiophile" always solders connections used in sound equipment, no matter the location or exposure - gives a better connection without breaking any of the wire strands - very important in sound equipment, so he says. My 2 cents.
Re: OT: Electronics Question
John McGaw
>After having numerous failures of consumer-type crimp splices over the years I invariably use the solder-and-shrink method in automotive wiring. I've also noted that when installing automotive head-end units utilizing a Crutchfield-type wiring adapter that, between the radio's wiring harness and the adapter, there is just too much wire so I always shorten each of them somewhat so that I don't have extra wiring stuffed behind the dash. With a truck it might not make so much difference but I've worked frequently with sports cars where space is at a premium when it exists at all.
Thanks Guys!
Robert Hutchins
>Solder I shall.
John McGaw - how much do you shorten the wires. I did indeed buy the radio and installation kit from Crutchfield. With 7 or 8 inches on the head unit and another similar length on the connectors, I'm gonna have right much to cram back into the dash.