DC to DC converter ... best way to solder on leads?

[LI-ghtcycle]

Hello, I am wondering if I can get a better idea of how to make a more solid connection to my DC to DC, in the past I just put the wire perpendicular to the pin, with a much heavier gauge wire, however with my new DC to DC, there is very little clearance between many of the pins, so I'm thinking of having the wire come straight out with the pin, in other words, I will have some strand wire soldiered on with the pin in the middle, and then paint it with liquid tape.

I'm sure there is a better way to do this, so I'd love to see your solutions to this problem.

Here is a picture of the DC to DC I am using:

Thanks!

 

[johnrobholmes]

What is the pin spacing? You may be able to use a plug.

 

[LI-ghtcycle]

Doh! I posted before adding the picture ... are there connectors designed for pins this small? Maybe something I can buy at (cringe!) Radio Shack?

 

[johnrobholmes]

Something like the balance leads on a lipo pack maybe?

What I would probably do is yank some balance lead taps with the crimped end, and shove the crimped connector on. Secure with a bit of solder.

 

[neptronix]

I see your Dilemma.
That DC-DC convertor can't be pumping out a ton of amps.
You should be able to get away with 16-18ga wire. Lay it parallel to the pin and solder it.

4 ft should give you a very minimal drop according to the calculator at the bottom of this page:
http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

 

[LI-ghtcycle]

Kewl thanks for the info, I think I might just parallel them, I looked at some balance plugs, and the pins are slightly too large, and although I won't be pulling any serious amps, I do want a solid connection that isn't prone to breakage from vibration. I think I will just have to make some kind of ABS block that the wires go through to keep things solid.

 

[neptronix]

Might also consider sticking them in some sort of enclosure, and securing the wires with hot glue or something like that.
That's how i'm going to do mine.

 

[LI-ghtcycle]

Yep, I will be using ABS glue to do just that, I'll just add in a few shavings to fill the gap and the glue will do the rest.

 

[Kingfish]

Ref: Cree HP-LED Conversion & DC-DC Converter Assy

Scroll part-way down the thread to find how I did mine:
I soldered directly to a pre-tinned post. The remaining posts were covered with small-diameter heat-shrink. I didn’t have hot-glue, but used electrical tape instead. Urethane is also a good waterproof sealant although I do not know the dielectric strength.

Hope this is useful, KF