{"id":11515,"date":"2020-11-18T16:27:30","date_gmt":"2020-11-18T16:27:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/?p=11515"},"modified":"2023-07-18T18:31:27","modified_gmt":"2023-07-18T18:31:27","slug":"drone-soldering-tutorial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/drone-soldering-tutorial\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Solder FPV Drone Components | Tips &#038; Tricks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Soldering is an unavoidable, easy yet messy process that cannot be dodged when\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/how-to-build-a-drone\/\">building a drone<\/a>. Yes, BNFs and RTFs are available, but what happens when you crash or burn an ESC? Soldering is an integral process in the building of a drone. Soldering is what stitches the components together to work as one single unit. Soldering the batteries to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/drone-esc-electronic-speed-controller\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ESC<\/a>\u00a0allows the transfer of power from the batteries to the ESC\u2019s. Without soldering the receiver to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/drone-flight-controller-fpv\/\">flight controller<\/a>, the quad cannot get off the ground.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_42cc83-fc .kb-table-of-content-wrap{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_42cc83-fc .kb-table-of-contents-title-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_42cc83-fc .kb-table-of-contents-title{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_42cc83-fc .kb-table-of-content-wrap .kb-table-of-content-list{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-to-solder-drone-parts.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"679\" height=\"218\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-to-solder-drone-parts.png\" alt=\"how to solder drone parts\" class=\"wp-image-11569\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-to-solder-drone-parts.png 679w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-to-solder-drone-parts-300x96.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 679px) 100vw, 679px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Soldering is the process of joining 2 or more metal contacts by melting a filler material into the joint. The filler material has a significantly lower melting point than the metals being joined. This ensures that the metal being joined do not get damaged in the process of soldering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Soldering, for novice users might require some attention to get a good solder joint. Today we are going to take a look at the common practices and useful tips to soldering FPV components efficiently and with minimal efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"t-1605533866792\">HOW SOLDERING WORKS?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-process.gif\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"518\" height=\"230\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-process.gif\" alt=\"soldering process\" class=\"wp-image-11571\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A reasonably good bond between the 2 wires can be achieved by twisting the wires together and current only flows between the wires where the wires are in contact with each other. Joining wires to pads is also near to impossible without soldering. But in the process of soldering, the molten solder flows through the holes and gaps of the joints, filling it and forming a solid connection between the 2 components.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-drone-components.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"287\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-drone-components-1024x287.jpg\" alt=\"soldering drone components\" class=\"wp-image-11573\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-drone-components-1024x287.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-drone-components-300x84.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-drone-components-768x216.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-drone-components.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Soldering requires 2 contact surfaces to be joined, 2 wires or wires to solder pads, a heated soldering Iron tip to melt the solder and liquid solder flows into the gaps of the 2 joints and some solder flux which helps clean the surface of the 2 metal contacts preventing oxidation of the metals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the Solder is exposed to heat, the solder instantly melts and continues to be in this molten state until the soldering iron is removed.<br><br>Prolonged exposure to heat may cause the metals to chemically react and form oxides, physically damage the components. Soldering electronic components, Flight controllers and ESC\u2019s, must be quick to prevent any damage to the them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"t-1605533866793\">SOLDERING IRON<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/soldering-tips.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"849\" height=\"438\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/soldering-tips.png\" alt=\"soldering-tips\" class=\"wp-image-3489\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/soldering-tips.png 849w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/soldering-tips-150x77.png 150w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/soldering-tips-300x155.png 300w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/soldering-tips-768x396.png 768w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/soldering-tips-65x34.png 65w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/soldering-tips-220x113.png 220w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/soldering-tips-194x100.png 194w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/soldering-tips-358x185.png 358w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/soldering-tips-729x376.png 729w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 849px) 100vw, 849px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Soldering Irons are components that have heated tips, help melt the solder. You might have tried soldering at some point and tried to solder, but no matter what you do the solder wouldn\u2019t stick to anything and formed blobs? Having a clean tip is critical in ensuring a solid bond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good soldering Iron must be able to change the temperature of the tips for various solder jobs. Soldering Irons were traditionally large and bulky for their temperature controllers. But with technology advancements, portable soldering Iron are just as capable. Perhaps the Sequre SQ D60 or the much capable TS80 and the TS100 might appeal to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related Tools:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/sequre-sq-d60-soldering-iron-review\/\">SEQURE SQ D60 SOLDERING IRON REVIEW<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/ts80-soldering-iron-review-ts100-comparison\/\">TS80 SOLDERING IRON REVIEW | TS 100 COMPARISON<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SOLDER<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id_239ce0-fe > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id_239ce0-fe > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id_239ce0-fe > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id_239ce0-fe > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id_239ce0-fe > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id_239ce0-fe > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id_239ce0-fe alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column_18bc5c-f8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column_18bc5c-f8 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_18bc5c-f8 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_18bc5c-f8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_18bc5c-f8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column_18bc5c-f8 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_18bc5c-f8{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column_18bc5c-f8{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column_18bc5c-f8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column_18bc5c-f8 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_18bc5c-f8{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_18bc5c-f8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_18bc5c-f8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column_18bc5c-f8\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p>Solder is the filler metal, is a low melting point alloy usually made of tin or lead that flows into the joints and help form a solid bond. Solder is made of Tin and Lead, 60\/40 solder contains 60% tin and 40% lead has a melting point of 182\u00b0C, whereas a 40\/60 solder has a 40% Tin and 60% Lead has a 237\u00b0C melting point.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column_2a0493-64 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_2a0493-64 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_2a0493-64 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_2a0493-64 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_2a0493-64 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_2a0493-64 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_2a0493-64{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_2a0493-64 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_2a0493-64 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column_2a0493-64\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/solder-filler-drone.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/solder-filler-drone.jpg\" alt=\"solder filler drone\" class=\"wp-image-11577\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/solder-filler-drone.jpg 600w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/solder-filler-drone-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/solder-filler-drone-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The increased Lead content increases the melting point of the solder and also increases the time the solder takes to cool thereby allowing to move and adjust. Though the use of lead has reduced in recent times citing the poisonous nature of lead on human health, Lead still continues to be an integral component of solder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"t-1605533866795\">SOLDER FLUX<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id_3446df-22 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id_3446df-22 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id_3446df-22 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id_3446df-22 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id_3446df-22 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id_3446df-22 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id_3446df-22 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column_3072e3-86 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column_3072e3-86 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_3072e3-86 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_3072e3-86 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_3072e3-86 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column_3072e3-86 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_3072e3-86{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column_3072e3-86{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column_3072e3-86 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column_3072e3-86 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_3072e3-86{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_3072e3-86 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_3072e3-86 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column_3072e3-86\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p>Solder flux is a paste like material that is applied on the surface of the materials to be joined or soldered. Solder flux promotes better wetting of the surfaces and helps remove the oxides of the metals, Metal Oxides are formed when the metal is exposed to heat and air, preventing the formation of good solder joints. Flux also contain chemicals that prevent the exposed metals from corroding.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column_144679-60 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_144679-60 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_144679-60 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_144679-60 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_144679-60 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_144679-60 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_144679-60{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_144679-60 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_144679-60 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column_144679-60\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/solder-flux.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"474\" height=\"474\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/solder-flux.jpeg\" alt=\"solder flux\" class=\"wp-image-11581\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/solder-flux.jpeg 474w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/solder-flux-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/solder-flux-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The smoke and fumes released while soldering include several chemical compounds from the acids and their reaction with the oxide layers. Other compounds such as formaldehyde, toluene, alcohols, and acidic fumes are often present in the solder fumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These fumes when inhaled can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest pain are among the symptoms of asthma and the fumes can also cause the eyes to irritate and burn. Ensure adequate ventilation and, as necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This can be avoided by sitting in a room with proper ventilation and a fan blowing the fumes away from you. Thorough washing of hands after soldering is necessary to avoid any lead particulates from entering the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SOLDERING WICK, HELPING HANDS AND TWEEZERS<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-tools.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"357\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-tools-1024x357.jpg\" alt=\"soldering tools\" class=\"wp-image-11584\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-tools-1024x357.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-tools-300x105.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-tools-768x268.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-tools.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Apart from Soldering Iron, Solder and Flux, you will need Soldering Wick, Helping hands and Tweezers. Things don\u2019t exactly as planned and there is no exception with soldering. When a bad solder joint happens, Soldering wick comes to the rescue and helps you clean up. Soldering wick contains copper which the solder particles stick to. Solder wicks are non reusable and they are cheap to replace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I sometimes wish I had more than 2 hands, soldering is when I wish I had 3 hands or even 4. Helping hands hold the components in place and lets you solder without you having to worry about the component moving. Tweezers are a must have when soldering. Soldering involves heat and the human hands can only tolerate so much heat, tweezers are helpful to hold down the wires during soldering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"t-1605533866797\">HOW TO SOLDER FPV DRONE &nbsp;TIPS &amp; TRICKS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Soldering is an easy- not so easy process. There are some good practices to follow to get a good solder joint. Mastering the art of soldering is essential or maintaining a quad becomes a nightmare. We are going to demystify the process of soldering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do&#8217;n use led free solder &#8211; G0\/40 lead perfect<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"t-1605533866798\">Cleaning the Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-tip-racing-drone-building.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"475\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-tip-racing-drone-building.jpg\" alt=\"soldering tip racing drone building\" class=\"wp-image-11588\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-tip-racing-drone-building.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-tip-racing-drone-building-300x143.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-tip-racing-drone-building-768x365.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A clean soldering iron tip is the key to the soldering. Maybe you tried soldering, the solder would not stick to the wire or the tips and forms balls of solder? The culprit is bad soldering tips. The heating of the solder tips causes the tips form oxides and the ability for the soldering iron tip to transfer heat is drastically reduced when it gets covered in oxides and burnt flux residues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cleaning before and after every solder job and occasional cleaning between long solder jobs ensures that the tips are clean resulting in a less frustrating soldering experience and longer tip life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tips can be cleaned with a damp towel or brass wool. If the tips are very dirty, sanding the tips with a fine grit sand paper and cleaning the tips afterwards with a towel is the recommended. When not in use, coating the tips with solder prevents the tips from oxidation when exposed to the atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"t-1605533866799\">Setting the Temperature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every solder job is different and require different temperatures to start with. Setting the right temperature is crucial to avoid overheating the Solder pads. Solder pads are metal contacts made of copper that can lift under long exposure to heat. A higher temperature melts the solder faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A temperature of 325- 350\u00b0C for soldering the ESC wires and the receiver wires to the flight controller is ideal. A slightly higher temperature of 400\u00b0C can be used to solder the battery pads as these involve large amounts of solder, taking longer to melt.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/temp-for-soldering-drone.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/temp-for-soldering-drone.jpg\" alt=\"temp for soldering drone\" class=\"wp-image-11591\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/temp-for-soldering-drone.jpg 600w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/temp-for-soldering-drone-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Avoid holding the soldering iron tip on any components for long. I have this 5 second rule, if the wire is not joined by then, Abort Mission!! Let the pad cool down for a bit and try again. If you spend longer, there is a chance that you might lift the solder pad rendering that pad and potentially that component useless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"t-1605533866800\">Cutting, Stripping and Tinning<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-to-solder-drone-parts.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"958\" height=\"466\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-to-solder-drone-parts.jpg\" alt=\"how to solder drone parts\" class=\"wp-image-11593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-to-solder-drone-parts.jpg 958w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-to-solder-drone-parts-300x146.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-to-solder-drone-parts-768x374.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 958px) 100vw, 958px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Cutting the wires and stripping the wires to the appropriate lengths comes next. It is important to measure twice or even thrice before cutting the wires of motors. If you cut the wires too short, yikes you are in trouble. Motor wires are difficult to extend when cut short and can be a hassle to extend them, better be safe than sorry, or if you like a challenge cut the wires short and have a blast trying to extend it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cut the wires such that the wires have an excess of 2cm to give you some room for error. Stripping the wires is crucial, strip the wires to the appropriate lengths, the exposed wire is as long as the pad you are soldering it to. If stripped in excess, the resulting soldering joint looks unprofessional and there is also the risk that the exposed wire might touch the components nearby and cause a short.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/drone-wires-soldering.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"359\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/drone-wires-soldering.jpg\" alt=\"drone wires soldering\" class=\"wp-image-11595\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/drone-wires-soldering.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/drone-wires-soldering-300x108.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/drone-wires-soldering-768x276.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Pretinning is the process of applying a light layer of solder over both the components that are being joined or soldered. The idea behind this is that, solder is a very good conductor of heat and dissipates heat evenly and quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pretinning also reduces the time taken for the solder to melt when joining thereby reducing the risk of overheating components. This is helpful when soldering small and delicate components which might get damaged when exposed to high temperatures over a period of time.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/pre-tinning-soldering.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"238\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/pre-tinning-soldering-1024x238.jpg\" alt=\"pre-tinning-soldering\" class=\"wp-image-11596\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/pre-tinning-soldering-1024x238.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/pre-tinning-soldering-300x70.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/pre-tinning-soldering-768x179.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/pre-tinning-soldering.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Pretinning can be done by first taking the soldering iron near the wire or the pads, heat it and push the solder until a good amount of solder is applied. When Pretinning pads, apply solder until a semi circle is formed over the pad and for wires until an even layer of solder is formed. Be careful not to apply too much solder as there is also a risk that the solder might overflow and short the nearby pads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"t-1605533866801\">Soldering to pads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Turn on your nerd modes. It&#8217;s going to get exciting from here. Now with the wires and the pads pretinned, it is time to join the bride and the groom in a bond that will last forever, or until the board gets damaged atleast.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-to-pads.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-to-pads.jpg\" alt=\"soldering to pads\" class=\"wp-image-11598\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-to-pads.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-to-pads-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-to-pads-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Take the wire in one hand, the less dominant one, use tweezers if you think you can\u2019t tolerate the heat. Hold it firmly on the solder pad, try not to move the wire as much as possible. Then take the soldering iron and hold it on the wire firmly for a second for the solder to completely melt and form a solid bond between the pad and the wire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is also another way to do this, take the soldering iron, hold it on the solder pad and melt the solder. Now place the wire over the molten solder to join the wire and the pad. This increases the risk of overheating the components but soldering smaller wires and joints involve less solder and the solder will melt instantly. Take the soldering iron away from the pad, now with no heat to keep the soldering iron in a molten state, the solder begins to solidify forming a solid joint.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_6d2ea7-55, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_6d2ea7-55[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_6d2ea7-55\"]{padding-top:20px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:20px;font-style:normal;background-color:#3274b3;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_6d2ea7-55[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_6d2ea7-55\"]{display:flex;gap:0.25em;align-items:center;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_6d2ea7-55[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_6d2ea7-55\"] .kb-adv-heading-icon svg{width:1em;height:1em;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_6d2ea7-55[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_6d2ea7-55\"] .kb-adv-heading-icon{font-size:101px;margin-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);margin-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_6d2ea7-55 mark, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_6d2ea7-55[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_6d2ea7-55\"] mark{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style><p class=\"kt-adv-heading_6d2ea7-55 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading kt-adv-heading-has-icon has-theme-palette9-color has-text-color\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_6d2ea7-55\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-adv-heading-icon kb-svg-icon-fe_arrowRight kb-adv-heading-icon-side-left\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"  fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><line x1=\"5\" y1=\"12\" x2=\"19\" y2=\"12\"\/><polyline points=\"12 5 19 12 12 19\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kb-adv-text-inner\">Removing the soldering iron too soon, the solder will not melt completely resulting in a sub par solder joint, a weak link when subject to vibrations and movement might break the solder joint. Not using enough solder will also result in a weaker joint, taking the soldering iron and applying some excess solder over the joint does the trick.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Soldering through holes<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id_ea7138-14 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id_ea7138-14 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id_ea7138-14 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id_ea7138-14 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id_ea7138-14 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id_ea7138-14 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id_ea7138-14 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column_02c6d1-98 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column_02c6d1-98 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_02c6d1-98 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_02c6d1-98 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_02c6d1-98 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column_02c6d1-98 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_02c6d1-98{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column_02c6d1-98{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column_02c6d1-98 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column_02c6d1-98 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_02c6d1-98{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_02c6d1-98 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_02c6d1-98 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column_02c6d1-98\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p>Personally, I think soldering through holes method is a better. There is no risk of the wire getting stripped away from the solder pad and with it the pad.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column_b42571-0b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_b42571-0b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_b42571-0b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_b42571-0b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_b42571-0b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_b42571-0b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_b42571-0b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_b42571-0b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_b42571-0b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column_b42571-0b\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-through-holes.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"547\" height=\"268\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-through-holes.jpg\" alt=\"soldering through holes\" class=\"wp-image-11600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-through-holes.jpg 547w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-through-holes-300x147.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 547px) 100vw, 547px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Soldering through holes is also the easiest to solder. Through holes were earlier used to solder pins but the manufacturers are providing a large enough hole for the wires to pass through. But the wires sticking out increases the risk of wires shorting themselves and repairs require longer to remove the entire stack.<br><br>To solder wires to through holes, you pre-tin the wires with a very small coat of solder, but not the holes. Pass the wires from below the flight controller such that the ends are poking out at the top side of the flight controller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now take the soldering iron and place it near the end that is sticking out and apply some solder, apply a generous amount until a small mound forms on the top. Did I already tell that the solder on the wires melt and attach to the sides of the holes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_f4dda6-8e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_f4dda6-8e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_f4dda6-8e\"]{padding-top:20px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:20px;font-style:normal;background-color:#3274b3;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_f4dda6-8e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_f4dda6-8e\"]{display:flex;gap:0.25em;align-items:center;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_f4dda6-8e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_f4dda6-8e\"] .kb-adv-heading-icon svg{width:1em;height:1em;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_f4dda6-8e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_f4dda6-8e\"] .kb-adv-heading-icon{font-size:101px;margin-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);margin-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_f4dda6-8e mark, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_f4dda6-8e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_f4dda6-8e\"] mark{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style><p class=\"kt-adv-heading_f4dda6-8e wp-block-kadence-advancedheading kt-adv-heading-has-icon has-theme-palette9-color has-text-color\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_f4dda6-8e\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-adv-heading-icon kb-svg-icon-fe_arrowRight kb-adv-heading-icon-side-left\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"  fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><line x1=\"5\" y1=\"12\" x2=\"19\" y2=\"12\"\/><polyline points=\"12 5 19 12 12 19\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kb-adv-text-inner\"><strong>DO NOT PRE-TIN THE HOLES.<\/strong>\u00a0Applying too much solder also increases the risk of solder overflowing through the bottom. Yes, I\u2019ve tried to solder by making the wires to not stick out of the top, didn\u2019t work out, too little heat flow between the wires and the holes. There are people who try to solder the wires on top of the holes, this is plausible but most of the contact pads are on the sides for the current to flow through and soldering on top of the holes only increases the current load of the joint.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Soldering 2 wires<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-2-wires.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"523\" height=\"594\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-2-wires.jpg\" alt=\"soldering 2 wires\" class=\"wp-image-11603\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-2-wires.jpg 523w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-2-wires-264x300.jpg 264w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 523px) 100vw, 523px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Joining or extending wires must be avoided because that is a potential weak link that might give way under load. Extending the Motor wires, Battery and ESC wires must be avoided as these wires carry large loads and can potentially fail. Whereas the receiver and camera signal wires have lesser loads and will cope well with the lower current loads.<br><br>I have had crashes where the propellers cut the motor wires and I had to extend the motor wires, Bill Gates can afford to throw away a $30 motor not me. The trick to soldering thinner wires is to pretin the wires and join them. But the trick to joining thicker wires is, do not pretin the wires and spread the wire strands and thrust both the wires together and solder them into place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"t-1605533866804\">Soldering connectors<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id_7482e3-f1 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id_7482e3-f1 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id_7482e3-f1 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id_7482e3-f1 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id_7482e3-f1 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id_7482e3-f1 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id_7482e3-f1 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column_1440d5-51 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_1440d5-51 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_1440d5-51 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_1440d5-51 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_1440d5-51 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_1440d5-51 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_1440d5-51{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_1440d5-51 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_1440d5-51 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column_1440d5-51\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-connectors.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"474\" height=\"316\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-connectors.jpeg\" alt=\"soldering connectors\" class=\"wp-image-11605\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-connectors.jpeg 474w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/soldering-connectors-300x200.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column_ab90fe-ff > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column_ab90fe-ff > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_ab90fe-ff > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_ab90fe-ff > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_ab90fe-ff > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column_ab90fe-ff > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column_ab90fe-ff{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column_ab90fe-ff{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column_ab90fe-ff > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column_ab90fe-ff > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_ab90fe-ff{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_ab90fe-ff > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_ab90fe-ff > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column_ab90fe-ff\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p>Soldering the connectors to wires can be a pain. The metal contacts on an XT60 is small, getting in there and soldering is a nightmare for me, I apologize to all the XT60 connectors I had to throw before they could serve their purpose.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Connectors must mostly always be soldered with the male and female connectors mated, I\u2019ve learnt this the hard way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The plastic covering the metal contacts can and will melt before you can join the wire and mating the male to the female will prevent the metal contacts melting away into the connector.<br><br>Check and adjust the temperature of the soldering iron, 375-400\u00b0C to ensure a quick and easy soldering job. Pretin the wire and the metal contact on the connector, applying generous amounts of solder on both. Melt the solder on the wire, now place the wire and soldering iron on the metal contact and gently press on the wire onto the connector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the solder on the connectors melt, remove the soldering iron after a second to let the solder to form a solid bond. Not happy with the solder job, let the solder and the plastic covering to cool before going in and adjusting. Apply some shrink wrap over the wires and you are ready to rumble, or should I say the quad is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"t-1605533866805\">GOOD AND BAD SOLDER JOINTS<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Good-and-Bad-solder-joints.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"679\" height=\"175\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Good-and-Bad-solder-joints.png\" alt=\"Good and Bad solder joints\" class=\"wp-image-11607\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Good-and-Bad-solder-joints.png 679w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Good-and-Bad-solder-joints-300x77.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 679px) 100vw, 679px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-to-get-better-at-soldering.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"232\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-to-get-better-at-soldering-1024x232.jpg\" alt=\"how to get better at soldering\" class=\"wp-image-11609\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-to-get-better-at-soldering-1024x232.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-to-get-better-at-soldering-300x68.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-to-get-better-at-soldering-768x174.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/how-to-get-better-at-soldering.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/bad-soldering-joint.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"246\" src=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/bad-soldering-joint-1024x246.jpg\" alt=\"bad soldering joint\" class=\"wp-image-11610\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/bad-soldering-joint-1024x246.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/bad-soldering-joint-300x72.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/bad-soldering-joint-768x184.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/bad-soldering-joint.jpg 1195w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Take a look at this definitive article that details the various bad\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/2019\/08\/07\/13-common-pcb-soldering-problems-to-avoid\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">solder joints<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"t-1605533866806\">Consequences of bad solder joints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Incomplete circuit &#8211; Since the solder connections is the only means of power and data transmission, an incomplete circuit will result in loss of power and data signals abruptly. If a motor has been jittering lately, check the soldering of the motor signal wires and the ESC connections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Power losses- A bad solder joint will limit the flow of current, possibly limiting the motors from working to their full potential<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overheating- A bad solder joint when stressed will overheat the joint and the component potentially causing the solder to melt, causing an incomplete joint.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you have joints that have been losing solder over time, the problem might be in the solder you are using. A 60\/40 or 63\/37 solder must be used for easy soldering.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"t-1605533866807\">CONCLUSION<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Soldering is an essential part of drone building which cannot be avoided. Crashing a quad is inevitable and so is repairing it. Not only is soldering useful to build and repair a quad, soldering is useful skill every guy must know.<br><br>In this article we have tried to cover most of the basics to get you started on your journey of building a quad. Try to practice to soldering, there are soldering practice boards such as the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/diatone-mamba-practice-soldering-board.html?cmid=eHZ3Y2tBWGYrQWM9&amp;afid=c29rK0Zva1BEbEU9&amp;ats=THlaZllNTUpnYzQ9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>mamba practice board<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;which are cheaper to practice on. Investing in a good soldering iron is the key and if you followed this article up to the conclusion, congratulations your Soldering 101 classes are done for the day.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Soldering is an unavoidable, easy yet messy process that cannot be dodged when\u00a0building a drone. Yes, BNFs and RTFs are&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":11566,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[130],"tags":[87],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":130,"label":"FPV 101"}],"post_tag":[{"value":87,"label":"soldering"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/drone-soldering-1024x683.jpg",1024,683,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"DN","author_link":"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/author\/dronenodes\/"},"comment_info":11,"category_info":[{"term_id":130,"name":"FPV 101","slug":"fpv-101","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":130,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":14,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":130,"category_count":14,"category_description":"","cat_name":"FPV 101","category_nicename":"fpv-101","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":[{"term_id":87,"name":"soldering","slug":"soldering","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":87,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":1,"filter":"raw"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11515"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11515"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11515\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11566"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11515"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11515"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dronenodes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11515"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}