best way to solder 2 wires together

[tweedydum]

hi,
what's the best way to solder 2 pieces of wire together? I would avoid this if possible, but sometimes it's necessary - like when the leads of a transformer are too short...

generally, I try to wrap the ends around each other, solder 'in the air' and shrinkwrap.

probably better, but more space-consuming to hold wires parallel with end stripped, then twist together and solder. Then shrink-wrap the 'end.'

any thoughts?

thanks

[ampdoc1]

I've done it that way for years, and never had problems. But the last time I had to get some parts from Mouser, I ordered some Butt Connectors. P/N 517-1622. Good for 22-18 wire gauges.

ampdoc1

[Structo]

The old Western Electric splice has been a good one for years and years.


[img:513:324]http://www.geocities.com/gdgo/Image28.gif[/img]

[sliberty]

That's beautiful

[Alexo]

Man those WE engineers knew what they were doing....

In the case of transformer leads, I usually opt for drilling aa hole, mounting a terminal strip of some sort and making the connection there, sometimes you can mount one on a transformer bolt:

[img:144:84]http://www.tubesandmore.com/cemirror/inv/P-0501H.GIF[/img]

[M Fowler]

Why did I think that was called the Westinghouse wrap

Mark

[lz_69]

Western Union splice, it goes back to the days of telegraph wires...

[collinsamps]

I was taught that by the Navy in 1984 and it's been good enough for aviation since the wright brothers.

[Richie]

I was taught that by the Navy in 1984

A friend of mine had Navy electronics, and i saw an amp he was working on, and saw some things of how he did stuff,which i thought was cool.. he said they taught them that in the navy..

So i borrowed some of his wireing methods..

[collinsamps]

I'm biased of course after 21 years, but in terms of electronics training it used to be the best in the world. It's all gone computer aided and self paced etc. with no actual instructor and only what you need to know for your platform these days which leaves a lot to be desired in terms of overall knowledge.

I went from basic electronics & electricity, to Aviation applications & fundamentals , to avionics A school, to advanced first term avionics which was nearly two years before I went to an operational squadrons "replacement training division and got 6 months of platform specific training. Then after I started flying it was 18 months to qualify as a first position in flight tech followed by quarterly requalification and annual checkrides.

These days they get about 4 months of computer self paced instruction that is so broad in scope you are lucky if they can tell you how a radar works when they show up at the squadron. When I retired I ran the ISD division (curriculum developement and maintenance)of the maintenance training facility for two squadrons(VQ3 & 4) and it was a shame to see how funding shortfalls and manpower cuts had taken it's toll on an education. Don't even get me started on contractor developed courses.

Rant over .........

[DonMoose]

So would this be a bad time to post a link to NEETS?

I mean, I'm not gonna join the Navy just for the training.

[collinsamps]

NEETS modules are the best! I still have 20 year old softcover books in the attic. They are hands down some of the best electronics training you can give yourself outside of a classroom.