bullets getting hott!

[steveo]

connectors are cheap enough get the castle stuff it works well its one less problem

[m4a1usr]

I just searched 5.5 bullet connectors on ebay and saw many different choices. I'm just a little confused as to which are the best; there's quite a price variation and one would imagine that the more expensive ones are better, but is this really the case ?

Off Ebay the best bulk bullets come from a guy who advertises them as "gold plated" Few if any even refer to the plating. I cant remember the guy off hand but I'll look around. I got a bulk lot, like 100 pairs from him and they were the best I have seen so far. And whats most important is the plating has lasted pretty well as its been 2 or more years that I bought them. Thats a lot of wear and tear.

I got all my 8mm bullets from HK. Not sure of the quality they sell now but the HK 8mm bullets have/had the best finish and surface area. All the other ones I see being sold are the short version with less surface area and poor finish. They are buggers to pull apart but its reassuring to know that they can do the job.

John

[TheShaughnessy]

Well I can say that the motor connections slide off really easy, with almost no effort. I know it's a weak point, but will thus help my battery connections run cooler?

it may, added resistance of the loose connectors could have been making your batteries work harder, building more heat. It is a place to start at least.

[785boats]

I've noticed that on more than a few of my connectors the "gold plating" has worn off & they need replacing. These are the HK ones. The older ones bought from Hi Model are still fine. So they are obviously better quality, but I don't know which brand they sell.
Also I use a higher temperature solder than the normal electronics type of solder. I'm sure this prevents meltdowns as some of my connectors have come in very hot but not melted off.
I also gently spread the male plugs from time to time as propperchopper suggests. I use a 2.5mm Allen key.
But be very careful as the prongs can snap off very easily.

Just my observations with them.
Paul.

[sundog]

I got all my 8mm bullets from HK. Not sure of the quality they sell now but the HK 8mm bullets have/had the best finish and surface area. All the other ones I see being sold are the short version with less surface area and poor finish. They are buggers to pull apart but its reassuring to know that they can do the job.

John

I don't understand why more people don't go to 8mm bullets. Even the cheaper 8mm bullets are better than the highest quality 5.5mm. They're not ungainly large but have less resistance, little if any energy is lost as heat, they're easier to handle and don't cost that much more. That's all I use in my larger boats and on 5000ma and larger lipos. I've got a bag of assorted bullets they took the place of - made life simpler too.

[properchopper]

I don't understand why more people don't go to 8mm bullets. Even the cheaper 8mm bullets are better than the highest quality 5.5mm. They're not ungainly large but have less resistance, little if any energy is lost as heat, they're easier to handle and don't cost that much more. That's all I use in my larger boats and on 5000ma and larger lipos. I've got a bag of assorted bullets they took the place of - made life simpler too.

I have Soo many setups with 5.5's that to convert to 8mm (which I agree is a better connection) would take me from now until Christmas.

BUT, now that we're discussing connectors, let me jump in and ask about solder. I've been using 2% silver, just got some lead-free 4% silver. Get it at the electronics store for about $3. What's with Novak at $10 ? Novak just re-brands commercial stuff. Anyone ?

[dana]

I have Soo many setups with 5.5's that to convert to 8mm (which I agree is a better connection) would take me from now until Christmas.

BUT, now that we're discussing connectors, let me jump in and ask about solder. I've been using 2% silver, just got some lead-free 4% silver. Get it at the electronics store for about $3. What's with Novak at $10 ? Novak just re-brands commercial stuff. Anyone ?

ive been using pure silver solder. is this bad?

[properchopper]

ive been using pure silver solder. is this bad?

I'm all ears

[sailr]

Be careful saying 6S will draw less amps. I've tried to tell some people on here that, including the owner of these forums and they argue with me.

I get by just fine with 5.5's on my batts on 4S. Doesn't seem like he's overpropped from what he prescribed. Somethin goin on for sure but I doubt it's the connectors.

How are the temps on the motor and esc? I've had bullets get hot, but only when running large props getting greedy with speed and running the boat too long. I only use HK 5.5's on the motor connection and HK 8mm on the battery connection no matter the boat set up. You may have to prop down a bit or maybe try a 6s set up to draw slightly less amps. I wouldn't tape the wires together either. You can make a wire loom from zip ties to keep them neat looking and prevent the motor bullets from touching. I'd also put the 5.5's on the motor side too. I think what you have now is too small. Usually, installing larger bullets won't help anything, but you can try it. If it doesn't help, I'd think about the set up.

[m4a1usr]

ive been using pure silver solder. is this bad?

You mean like 100% or a mix like Sil Fos or similar? Even a 5% Silver content is more then enough. All silver does is extend the mechanical properties of a solder joint. It doesnt add any additional conductivity, since the solder joint is approx to the connector. Lead mix should be plenty for our hobby but you can use anything you want if it makes you happy. I like to silver solder my flex assy if I make them but I wouldnt bother with silver soldering my bullets.

I dont bother with 8mm bullets in everything just because of the load, 100amps and lower 5.5mm, besides I started out with smaller ones and its taken me many hours to upgrade my speedos and batteries. Like Tony said. I have enough work right now. But if I was just starting out over again thats a good point. Why not default to something that will for sure work.

John

[bbill1]

I'm all ears

Same here...

I use Radio Shack #64-013 Silver Bearing Solder (62% Tin, 36% Lead, 2% Silver)

[sailr]

8mm is extreme overkill in my opinon. I only use 8mm when I need to get the double wires on a castle HV into a connector. Otherwise 5.5 and 6 hold up just fine even on my 8s 1/8 scale. I run 5000 or larger packs exclusively.

The secret is to not over prop!!!

Now if you're running SAW's, maybe.

I don't understand why more people don't go to 8mm bullets. Even the cheaper 8mm bullets are better than the highest quality 5.5mm. They're not ungainly large but have less resistance, little if any energy is lost as heat, they're easier to handle and don't cost that much more. That's all I use in my larger boats and on 5000ma and larger lipos. I've got a bag of assorted bullets they took the place of - made life simpler too.

[bbill1]

I run Castle 6.5's on everything.

[properchopper]

As if on cue, my mail just came with 3 bags of HK 5.5's.
Now check this out : the HK's that just arrived have a smaller contact area based on how they're machined ( the one on the right - look closely). Same as a shorter one with full contact tangs. I think I'll go eat some ice cream

EDIT : I just looked at the picture of the 5.5's on HK; they are the ones in the middle (full contact tangs) ; I received the shorter-contact ones in the order that just arrived.(f**k)

[carlcisneros]

The ones with the shorter surface area on them are Part # AM-1005
The ones with part number KG55001 have the larger surface area.

I had ordered one bag of each and this is what I found out.

Carl