I like EC3 connectors as well, even though I mainly use Deans. EC3s are much easier to disconnect, especially when your fingers are frozen from a cold flight in the Winter. The only problem I've found with EC3 is the small cups where the wire goes into. If the gauge of the wire is too thick, the cups may not be large enough and you have to trim the excess wire.
I like your idea of notching the wire for a deans connection and then soldering both ends. I'll have to give that a try. After about 15 or so Deans soldering attempts, I've finally got it down to where I can solder a Deans connection very cleanly.
One thing OPJOSE told me is to plug the other end of the connector in before you solder. So if you're soldering a male connector, then plug it to a female connector first. This will keep the plastic from deforming if you have the iron on the metal part too long. Great advice and I do it every time I solder now.
ORIGINAL: Glacier Girl
Well here's a tip from someone who has soldered more then my share of heavy gauge wires to Deans. Like the HK packs now coming with 8 gauge wire on them.
As stated good heat is a must, I only use a 40 watt chisel pen, and clean surfaces, and good flux.
I have a pair of Deans connectors with about 6'' of 10 gauge wire soldered to the tabs, hanging loose.
When I solder up a Deans I use one of my heat sink set ups plugged into it to help keep the heat from melting the plastic.
Anyhow, the tip. After tinning the Deans and wire, take a Dremel with a thin cut off wheel, and notch the wire so one half slips over and under the Deans tab.
You'll have wire contact on top/bottom/end of the tab. Touch the bottom of the wire and not more then 2 seconds and you will have a rock solid bond.
If you have problems from too much heat too long on the Deans and deforming the plastic, there are couplers out there that will help. Use the big heat on the wire to coupler, then very little is needed to solder the coupler to the Deans.
http://www.rcdude.com/servlet/the-12...ersdsh-/Detail
Or switch to the EC3 or EC5 connectors dependent on you amp load. Super simple. Solder your wires to the terminals, and then after they cool, insert them into the connector body.
Lot of electric flyers are switching to these for that reason.
