How to splice a wire to NASA standards

[PHC1]

I've been using my trusty Weller WESD51 soldering station for the last 5-6 years. I have nothing but praise for it.

What are you guys using? I keep eyeballing a Hakko, they look pretty sweet!

[matt_zak]

Originally Posted by IM3CPO

All the military aircraft I worked on used aluminum wiring which helps explain the use of splices. We still had to solder some connector ends though (very very few) and let me tell you its not easy to solder something you really arent supposed to solder...

Everything I've worked on uses nickel or silver plated copper. Some solid silver wiring too. The crimp connections hold up very well. Usually it's technician error on why they fail.

Serge I use a Weller WAD 101 both at home and work.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by matt_zak

Everything I've worked on uses nickel or silver plated copper. Some solid silver wiring too. The crimp connections hold up very well. Usually it's technician error on why they fail.

Serge I use a Weller WAD 101 both at home and work.

That’s a beauty but I’m not used to hot air stations.

[Masterlu]

I prefer the Hakko Soldering Station FX-951-66 over Wellers WES51

[tdelahanty]

Originally Posted by PHC1

I have no idea. I do believe the Lineman/Western Union splice goes all the way back to telegraph days where the wires would be subjected to stress. Not sure why that would not be satisfactory in the 70’s and OK today it seems.

I thought about this all night trying to remember why! I was primarily involved with new build equipment. I believe the requirements for new build and repair are different. Depot and field repairs allowing some leeway.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by tdelahanty

I thought about this all night trying to remember why! I was primarily involved with new build equipment. I believe the requirements for new build and repair are different. Depot and field repairs allowing some leeway.

Sounds logical. Thank you for the insight

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

I prefer the Hakko Soldering Station FX-951-66 over Wellers WES51

I will give it a try as I need another soldering station in my other room.

[tdelahanty]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

I prefer the Hakko Soldering Station FX-951-66 over Wellers WES51

After much trial & error we settled on Metcal Soldering Stations. In an industrial environment these last and perform the best, especially tip life. You may find them interesting because they use RF (radio freq. energy) to heat the tip instead of conventional electricity and control heat range to a much higher degree.

[W9TR]

Metcal’s are the best soldering stations I’ve used. Especially their combo hot air stations.

For my current needs I have a couple of Weller stations that work just fine as I’m not doing any SMT work.