Soldering question

[M249]

Okay so I think I have established that I stink at soldering. Today I was planning on soldering deans connectors onto my new batteries. I first started by pre-tining the deans connector. While doing so, the solder melted, but a weird sticky brown substace accompanied the process and it got all over the connector. The solder is brand new (eletrical grade) and the soldering iron is a 40 watt from radioshack. In addition, I only held the iron on the joint to melt the solder, but I found that the deans connector was getting so hot that I could not hold it without getting burned (which I know should not be happening). And yes, I have watched Finless' soldeing video.

Any suggestions? I'm scared this overheating could wreck my new batteries.

As a last resort, could I use a sort of crimping connector on the batteries and then make a short adapter to deans for charging and connecting to the speed control, or would that be too inefficient for current flow? (I mean like tamiya style connectors, for example). That way I wouldn't have to directly solder anything directly to my battery and risk destroying a new LiPo.

[capebob]

The sticky brown stuff is soldering flux and aids in making a good joint. Only wipe it up after you're finished soldering. Alcohol will clean it up. A 40 watt iron is a little light for soldering a heavy gauge wire to a Deans connector. For Deans connectors I use a soldering gun with two heat ranges. I think they're 100 and 150 watts. The secret to a good soldering joint is to first have an iron of sufficient capacity to heat the connector and the wire rapidly. With a large enough iron the joint will heat so fast that much less heat will be transferred to the body of the connector.

Make sure the wire and connector are clean, tin both the wire and the connector, apply heat to the connector and wire simultanesouly (a third hand would help here), when the joint is hot apply the solder, it should flow easily. Once the wire is saturated with solder remove the solder and iron at the same time.

Bob

[Hughes500Bob]

I am sure for a small fee your Local Hobby Shop will solder them for you. If you frequently give them business they might even do it for free.

[xeos]

If you aren't feeling comfortable with it just buy a supply of deans ultra's & some deans wet noodle 12 gauge wire (simulates battery leads nicely) and practice practice practice. Soldering the batteries is kinda spooky the first time you do it, I know it was for me. I did them without a problem with a 60w iron.

Capebob's explanation of how to do it is perfect. Additionally, for soldering a pair of Helping Hands (http://www.hobbytool.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=45) are great!

[Pinecone]

Also if you touch the metal parts, it will always get too hot to hold.

[fire_paramedic]

Short of explaning the whole thing, and the good advice you got already. Look here, Finless as a very good video on how to solder the deans. it will explain it all and you get to watch and learn. No Reading lol :D
http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=finless/generic&filename=soldering_deans101.wmv