7 replies to this topic

[Mark Wampler]

Here's what I've done so far.  If you're going to use a fixed screw to attach the clip,  you can save some weight by making up your own clips.  Making the clip is fairly straight forward using an old braid.  I started off by drilling the starter hole in the clip with a 1.02 mm bit.  Then I threaded it through with the smallest screw (on the left side pic)  Clean off burrs as needed. On PS sealed motors, there are 2 different screws,  the middle screw is slightly larger in diameter.  The far right screw is from a Parma Death Star, too big for this purpose.  You will then solder on the lead wire, trim and cut the clip to size.

 

The screw goes in tight with the 1.02 mm hole.  Much tighter than the terminal hole.  I was able to use the larger screw after removing the smaller screw, but there isn't enough thick material on the terminal to securely hold the clip, unless you bore out the hole for a bigger size screw.  Not necessary  If you reverse the clip by placing it on the bottom and then run the (small) screw from the top,  there is enough grip in the clip to hold the clip securely.  That would the best approach, should be adequate.

 

If that seems to be inadequate, then a standard 1mm screw and nut combo will do the job

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[Brinkley47]

What are you trying to solve for with these clips?

[Greg VanPeenen]

No sure but I think they are trying not to put heat in the spring arms that hold the motor brushes. Mike Swiss sells push on clips and I saw somewhere on here where someone put a screw through them as sometimes they would come off in a crash. I use them for awhile then went back to soldering the wires on.

 

GVP

[Mark Wampler]

I tell myself there isn't any dumb questions.  I'll still believe that.  The main reason to do this  is to answer the main criticism of motor clips.  That being the weakness to stay secure.  Vibration, wrecks cause them to come loose and may  become dislodged.  The traditional clip uses a forced fit to attach.  Heat from soldering impacts the delicate brush arm tension to some extent, so that's the reason for motor clips.  By introducing a secure means to keep clips from vibrating on the terminal and tendency to dislodge, it answers the basic complaint I've already mentioned. 

[Brinkley47]

I have soldered wires on for years. No issues. I tested 32 motors in 90 minutes at Tom Thumb. Soldered wires on every motor.

[Greg VanPeenen]

Seems like a lot of B.S. to address a problem that already has a solution and that is putting a screw through Mike Swisses clip. That clip has been around for several years. But what the heck if you have a lot of time and like doing it yourself your solution looks like it would work just fine also. We have won a lot of big races over the years with soldered wires. Never had any issues.

 

GVP

[Mark Wampler]

Another issue with soldering is how many times are terminals soldered and desolderd.  The motor gets plenty hot without a soldering iron add to its degradation.   Its a perception that several racers have.  I'm simply offering an alternative.  For those who solder, this thread isn't for you, but you might learn something if you hang around.

[Mark Wampler]

Seems like a lot of B.S. to address a problem that already has a solution and that is putting a screw through Mike Swisses clip. That clip has been around for several years. But what the heck if you have a lot of time and like doing it yourself your solution looks like it would work just fine also. We have won a lot of big races over the years with soldered wires. Never had any issues.

 

GVP

 

Its about making your own clip.  Notice the title?