This is a quick how to video on how to properly and safely change a connector on a LiPo battery. Since I've decided to go with "T-plug" style (a.k.a. Deans) connectors, I have to change XT60 connectors on my LiPo batteries.
This process is not very hard, but it could be very dangerous. LiPo batteries contains large amount of energy (for it size) and short-circuiting them will transform all this energy into heat/fire.
WARNINGS:
Two thing could go wrong while doing this.
1. First and the most dangerous is to connect positive and negative wires together creating short circuit. So, make sure that at least one of the wires is properly isolated and protected at all times. Never create situation where you have both wires exposed and never think that you can be careful enough and keep them separated. They will come together, thrust me. :)
2. Second is a lot less probable, and that is overheating you battery while soldering. Overheating battery cells will damage them and you could do this if you keep your soldering iron on the wires to long. So, do your soldering job as quickly as possible.
Tips:
1. Clean any soldering paste residue after soldering. Soldering paste is corrosive and could damage solder joints.
2. While soldering, keep male and female connectors connected together. That way you will increase heat dissipation so it will be much harder to melt the connector. Other advantage of soldering connector while it's plugged in is that, even if you exceed temperature on connector and melt the plastic a little bit, terminals on connector will stay aligned properly. Therefor, you will be able to plug them later. However, when soldering negative wire to the connector, unplug the male connector because exposed contacts on it could created unnecessary problems.
3. Use a peace of foam or something similar to protect the wires from crocodile clips. Silicon wires are very soft and sharp clips will damage the insulation very easily. In some rare cases you could damage the wire enough to cause short circuit and a lot of damage (crash).
You will need:
Battery (of course) - Turnigy Nano-tech 3S, 2200mah, 35-70C in my case
T-Plug (Deans)
4.5mm to 6.0mm Heatshrink (Shrink Tube)
Silicon battery protector
Soldering Paste
Soldering Iron (30W)
Any 30W (or similar) soldering iron.
Solder (60/40)
Third/helping hand tool
Precision Knife
Lighter and pliers...
Enjoy RC as much as I do! :)
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