I understand that there may be negative implications considering this one of my first posts here, however Ive had many discussions with engineers (both ME and EE), mechanics, installers and electricians regarding this subject trying ti find the answer myself.
In my experience, those who have pushed too hard in one direction on this topic have never been very experienced or have not appropriately utilized other methods according to application. that is not to say the previous poster are inexperienced or are not knowledgeable.however, to say that one method is better then the other, ignores the fact that electronic/ electric system harness and component design is Application specific.
For Example:
In the AC43.13-1b (FAA acceptable practices for repair and fabrication) I calls for the use of solderless connections as the exclusive method for harness design and repair. however it does state other factors necessary to relieve wire strain, limits of splices, and wire/ insulation strength and proper amperage yield.
Ease of repair and maintenance access is key to the decision to go crimped-only on repairs and inter component harnesses. However, if crimped was really superior, solder would not be on the circuit boards in the instruments and computer systems keeping the plane in the air.
It's also prevalent in the automotive OEM markets, however, upon the countless harnesses Ive dissected, soldered terminals, splices and other things are used throughout automotive history with solderless increasingly becoming the norm for cost-effective, modular solutions.
In other arenas, NASA and other firms like Barco use solder in specific applications in aerospace and aeronautical component and harness design as well as solderless crimping. Check out ISSI or Raychem
In Audio/ video applications (both hi-fi and automotive), many high quality firms such as monster, harmann kardon, DEI and others use soldering and crimping based on cable size, type, and quality level and recommend both methodologies specific to different applications. (ask any quality installer in mobile alarm or stereo and youll see both used in anything from stereos to high end alarms and automation)
As a Master MECP and an A&P I can say that both systems are useful and have no discernible drawbacks in signal quality, flexibility, durability, given they are executed IAW quality supplies and tools and are appropriate to the given application. there have been many studies to support this as well as my experiments with the old scope and meter.
There are many myths and stereotypes on both "sides" of the fence.
For solder, the problems with early circuit boards and communication systems in the 60's and 70's created huge problems until new solders were developed and eliminated this problem (thus the coming age of solid state tech in A/v . EFI, etc.)
For crimp terminals, user error and low cost/qualityproducts over many years has seemed to be the main problem and, speculatively, caused this entire "debate" as solder was the only suitable substitute and therefore deemed "better"
Solder, when properly applied, is extremely durable, has very effective properties.
The same can be said about solderless termination when applied right.
In closing, I feel that the more then qualified people here using a single methodology is more then justifiable given their experience, execution, and application.
However, pitting two time and results honored systems against each other is moot and affront to engineers everywhere. lol
just remember:
Its already been done. someone has data on it somewhere.
now have a beer, burn and crunch wire everywhere.
as for the photo of the crimp connector . later in that forum thread, an uncrimped butt connector filled with solder held just as much weight as the crimp if im not mistaken:
