electrical/stereo questions...

[Mark L. Chang]

On Tue, 17 Oct 2000, Gerard wrote:

> So what is the proper way to do all this connection stuff? Solder it all
> down/together? Crimp it together?

Longish post ahead: (warning - this has been hashed out before)

Well, for stereo connections, there have been all sorts of debates on
which type has lower impedence, etc. etc... For me, on the stereo, I
soldered and shrink-wrapped everything. I cheated in one place by
tap-splicing into a switched ignition off of one of the underdash relays
(90q20v), but that's because it's tight enough in there I don't want to be
waving a soldering iron around, and it isn't critical to the sound path of
the system. To be honest, I was lazy.

But, insulated butt-splice connectors or barrel connectors should be good,
when used PROPERLY - ie. with a real crimping tool, not edge-cutters or
small pliers. I simply soldered because I thought it would be the best for
the budding audiophile in me. In retrospect, it just makes it all harder
to take apart, while I doubt I'd be able to detect a difference. Next time
I'm in there for any reason, I'm converting to something removable.

In my previous car (4kq) I had a stereo shop do a head unit install. They
used nice insulated crimp connectors for the connections and I was
happy. The PO of my current 90q20v had an aftermarket head unit installed
at a different shop, and the connections were twisted and wrapped with
electrical tape. *smack* YMWV (your mileage WILL vary).

On the other hand, when I did my Eurolight install and the alarm install
in the 90q20v, I crimped everything. Why? It was raining outside. Plus, I
have the right crimping tools and was working with 10ga wire, which can be
annoying to solder without a gun. So, everything is crimped and
shrinkwrapped at least once.  2+ years in Chicago weather on the 4kq, and
1+ year on the 90q20v, and the connections are holding up just fine (just
checked them about a week ago).

One tip that I have for large large connections, like my 4ga ring terminal
on the battery -- take it to a stereo shop and have them
crimp/solder/shrink it for you. They should have a nice impact crimper and
a solder pot to get both a good electrical and mechanical connection.

--
When a man sits with a pretty girl for an hour, it seems like a minute, but
let him sit on a hot stove for a minute and it's longer than any hour.
That's relativity.
   - Albert Einstein (1879-1955)