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I solder pigtails onto the terminals and use the XT60/XT90 connectors as well, or just use the OEM connectors from the factory speakers when using the factory speaker wiring. :thumbsup:


Inside the door, the standard push-on spade terminals can oxidize and corrode, in addition to vibrating loose. Whenever possible, I use zip ties or wire ties to hold the pigtail wiring securely to the speaker basket so that the terminals are less likely to vibrate loose.

The trick to soldering the pigtail wires to the speaker terminals is to use a good, Hot Iron that can hold the temp steady between 380° & 400° even on a large-ish ground plane or mass, and solder the wires on quickly as soon as the solder is melted. Only keep the iron on the terminal long enough to make a good solder joint, don't linger and overheat the terminal. This happens with lower power soldering irons that aren't hot enough and can't maintain the set temperature.

You can also temporarily clip small metal alligator clips to the underside of the speaker terminals where the tinsel leads are attached in order to dissipate unwanted heat from the tinsel lead area...acting as a heat sink.

I use the generic and programmable digital TS-100 pencil soldering iron, usually with a #TS-C4 tip (don't use the tiny included conical tip...it won't transfer enough heat quickly and isn't much use for most applications).

The TS-100 iron will work with best with a laptop style AC-to-DC 19+Volt power brick, or a Li-Ion USB Battery Power Bank that outputs 19+ Volts for laptops. The iron will still work with just 12 VDC car battery power, but will not heat up as quickly or maintain a steady temperature on larger areas. You want a power supply that outputs at least 3 Amps at 19VDC.

NovelLife Mini TS100 Digital Soldering-Digital Soldering Iron

There are identical irons sold under other brand names. AFAIK, they are all identical except for the color of the interchangeable outer housing. Check eBay, aliexpress, etc for a better price but long shipping time.

 

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Very nice.

Do you solder the end of the wire to terminal?

Yes.