Main > Main Forum

Female quick disconnects vs. soldering microswitches

Pages: << < (5/6) > >>

Q*Bert_OP:

Soldering is the way to go. It's much easier for me and I don't change things unless they break...and seriously, when's the last time you had to replace a microswitch on a game in only home use? If you have had to, it was probably a poor quality knock-off switch.

Soldering is also much cheaper, and stronger...

If you choose to solder, never buy lead-free solder(unless outlawed in your country). Lead-free has other metals in it to replace the lead, which require more heat to make a connection, which increases the chance of damaging the parts being soldered, and the other metals aren't any safer, as long as you wash your hands after handling leaded solder...the lead in leaded solder stays in a solid state...the smoke that comes from soldering is the flux or rosin in the solder(still avoid breathing in the fumes whenever possible). Also, buy a temperature-regulated iron...one that shows temperatures on it, not just a scale from orange to red. The most efficient soldering irons have a tip that slips over the heating element, instead of having the tip touch the heating element at the base. I personally recommend Hakko brand soldering equipment.

bkenobi:


--- Quote from: Q*Bert_24/7 on August 30, 2010, 08:28:42 pm ---...which require more heat to make a connection, which increases the chance of damaging the parts being soldered...

--- End quote ---

Which is why soldering isn't universally better than QD's.  If you have to completely disassemble a joystick to hook it up, how is that better than just plugging in the QD's?  Buttons aren't a big deal, but not all joysticks are easy to work with once installed in your panel.

For example, my LS-30's are installed in a 3/4" MDF panel.  The only way to make them work is to have them installed in a mounting plate that's routed into the TOP of the wood.  If I had to solder onto those QD posts while installed, I'd melt the stick, burn the wood, or destroy something else.  In truth, I soldered a lead of wire with QD's on each pin and it works marvelously!

Ginsu Victim:


--- Quote from: Q*Bert_24/7 on August 30, 2010, 08:28:42 pm ---I don't change things unless they break...and seriously, when's the last time you had to replace a microswitch on a game in only home use?

--- End quote ---

I'm fickle. I'm always changing out buttons and sticks, or just making new panels altogether. QDs are the only thing I'll use. I soldered my very first CP and I regretted it.

shfifty:

qd's really  aren't that expensive. I paid around $10 aud for 100 which was enough for my panel with leftovers. Should be plenty for your average 2 player panel. Considering how much money ive already sunk into this thing, another $10 really didnt hurt.



EwJ:


--- Quote from: MichaelA on August 30, 2010, 03:56:44 pm ---Thanks for all the opinions and advice, I am going to give the disconnects a try

--- End quote ---


--- Quote from: JODY on August 30, 2010, 06:47:53 pm ---Just make sure you have the proper crimper for the disconnects.  Bad crimps will result in wires falling out or bad connections.

--- End quote ---


See this thread for some crimping info...mixed in with a healthy dose of asshattery.  :woot

Pages: << < (5/6) > >>

Go to full version