Wiring Techniques for Battle ‘Bots Mr. Zushma Livingston High School Technology & Design for Science and Engineering

Wire Solid vs. Stranded Solid vs. Stranded Gauge Gauge

Wire Striping Be sure not to cut wire Be sure not to cut wire Strip about ¼” off end of wire Strip about ¼” off end of wire

Wire Strippers Two basic types Two basic types

Prepare Wire Ends Twist strands together so they do not fray. Twist strands together so they do not fray.

Military Spec Requires strong mechanical connection prior to soldering. Requires strong mechanical connection prior to soldering. Make hooks and twist together Make hooks and twist together

Setup Circuit “Mock-up” before soldering. “Mock-up” before soldering. Test to see if circuit works. Test to see if circuit works.

Soldering Solder connections prior to fastening to robot Solder connections prior to fastening to robot Be sure you have enough wire to stretch. Be sure you have enough wire to stretch.

Soldering Soldering Iron Soldering Iron Will be HOT (always assume it is hot) Will be HOT (always assume it is hot) Return to stand when not in hand Return to stand when not in hand

Solder 60/40 Lead/Rosin 60/40 Lead/Rosin Flux core Flux core Electrical vs. Plumbing Electrical vs. Plumbing

Soldering Heat connection to melt solder. Heat connection to melt solder. Do NOT melt solder onto connection. Do NOT melt solder onto connection.

Soldering When connection is hot enough, solder will melt and cover. When connection is hot enough, solder will melt and cover.

Soldering Connection will be HOT. Connection will be HOT. Give it a few minutes to cool prior to handling. Give it a few minutes to cool prior to handling.

Finish Return iron to stand Return iron to stand Un-plug iron Un-plug iron

Protect Cover with electrical tape to protect. Cover with electrical tape to protect.

Apply to Robot Fasten circuit to robot. Fasten circuit to robot.