What's the trick to slotting EC5 without injury?

[Ermac]

I had a few injuries here where the screw would go into my finger under the force of my body trying to force this thing to click.

Please it's torture help.

[Martin353]

By slotting I assume you mean when soldering the connectors and putting them into the blue housing. If so the trick I use is to put them in while they are still warm I.e as soon as the solder has set. That way you get a good fit without any trouble

[Vinno]

Funny I came past this, today was trying to get ec5 in and the 1mm hex driver (dont ask) i used slipped. Went into my thumb about a 10mm in. Felt bit of a pinch and was in shock, took it out, one tissue of blood then pain kicked in, felt like my thumb got jammed in a door or dropped something on it.

Its easier when its bit hot, its like the plastic gives in a bit kinda like a oil lube.

[Vinno]

opps double post

[Ermac]

We should sue someone?

[fozz]

I was having trouble also; the EC3s seem so much easier. I ended up just ditching the plastic and using the bullets. This simplified the 2X5s setup on my Furion 6 and are easier to plug/unplug. I made one lead shorter than the other and color coded the leads with tape so I just match colors when I plug everything in. I also like that I can use a little more solder and not have to worry about getting a little on the outside of the bullet. Actually, I like this setup so much, I think I am going to ditch the EC3s on my smaller birds as well.

[Ermac]

So everyone's gettin injuries, but does anyone know how to actually slot them in with minimal danger?

[ChrisH]

I don't get what the problem is ... Don't get solder on the outside of the bullet and they pop in very easily. Do it while it's still hot and use a small screwdriver to tap it in. Use a vice or something, common sense would say don't put your hand in harms way!

[Rob43]

I have soldered many EC5's I understand your frustrations. A few comments:

• I can't solder them as cleanly as I'd like. No worries. I use the flapper wheel attachment for my Dremel to sand off the solder that might cling to the ouside of the bullet after it''s soldered. Go easy.
• Use a heat gun to heat up the housing. Assembling with the bullets still hot is simply asking to get your fingers burnt. You want the housing warm so it is a bit softer and expanded a bit.

Best wishes!

[Desolas]

I never hold the plug in my hand when I do it but have it face down against my work area, so if I should slip I just stab the desk and not my hand.

Plus you can safely put more force down if needed.

[phranticness]

I use a vise.. This prevents injuries. I do this as others have said, when everything is still warm. If it's really giving me trouble I warm the inside of the plastic with a pencil torch, this makes it pliable enough to pop on.

Small socket against the metal connector, one vice edge against the socket, other vice edge against the edge of the plastic. Sometimes it slips, but no stabbing anything when it does. Just try again. (similar to how you install a vehicle U joint) Sometimes I use other items laying around the shop other than a socket. But you get the idea.

I use the same technique with GensAce style 4mm bullets.

[jdfelosi]

i use a tad bit of flux on the connector and extra tinning on the wire, that way i don't have to worry about the solder flowing to unwanted areas.

[flyingquisinart]

Yep, file or dremel any solder that gets on the outside, I use a hair dryer to warm the plastic. I still use a screwdriver but it doesnt take much pressure.

Sent from my phone

[6cuda6]

Like everyone who is having success i do the same....make sure no solder is on the outside of the bullet, if so remove. I dont heat up the housing [might try it though] but i just set the housing on the bench and push the connector in using a hex driver ....no hand to jab = no pain ..... lol.