Soldering advice sought

Mar 2, 2019
598
Oday 25 Milwaukee
I've got a new cax cable run through the mast as well as an 16 gauge 6 wire tinned wire. It was easy to solder the coax connector and the 6 wire connector in the garage . Any tips on soldering the other end outside ?
Thanks
 
Nov 12, 2009
272
J/ 32 NCYC, Western Lake Erie
I've got a new cax cable run through the mast as well as an 16 gauge 6 wire tinned wire. It was easy to solder the coax connector and the 6 wire connector in the garage . Any tips on soldering the other end outside ?
Thanks
Wind and cooler temps might make it harder to get the solder warm enough. Plan some sort of wind shield, and maybe a stand or clamp to hold things in position.
 
Feb 10, 2004
4,141
Hunter 40.5 Warwick, RI
The coax connectors I use are solder-less. They use a special tool that compresses the connector and makes watertight seals on the cable and the shield. I forget the brand but I can look it up when I get home. As for the 6-conductor cable, I think the best connections use adhesive lined heat sealing terminals. You have to make sure that they are crimped tightly (takes practice and a quality crimping tool), but no soldering is required. As for sealing the heat shrink at the top of your mast, I have a device that is designed for this task and it uses disposable butane lighters for fuel. Barring that, you could use a small torch in a low wind condition. A torch like one used for caramelizing the sugar on creme' brulle could be perfect.
I'm on my boat now but if you need more info just reply here and I will send more by tomorrow.
 
Feb 10, 2004
4,141
Hunter 40.5 Warwick, RI
Here are pictures of the heat shrink device that I have. No flame, light and easy to use and completely portable. But pricey- I remember it was about $30. For your one-time job, I might try a small torch. OTOH, it is a nice item to keep on-board for future projects. If you are doing any amount of wiring, it is really handy. Check on eBay or Amazon for a source.
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Oct 22, 2022
16
Sirius 21 Lake Ontario
I've got a new cax cable run through the mast as well as an 16 gauge 6 wire tinned wire. It was easy to solder the coax connector and the 6 wire connector in the garage . Any tips on soldering the other end outside ?
Thanks
If you dont have a crimpable coax connector, you can use a soldering gun that will have the wattage to do the job.

Brent
 
Jan 11, 2014
12,988
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
Here's a good article on making coax connections.