"Jim Donohue" wrote in message
news:Obq2e.895$ZV5.546@fed1read05...

"Doug Dotson" dougdotson@NOSPAMcablespeedNOSPAMcom wrote in message
...

"Larry W4CSC" wrote in message
...
"Doug Dotson" dougdotson@NOSPAMcablespeedNOSPAMcom wrote in
:

Actually, the conductors are flattened when they contact the inside of
the connector and each other giving quite a bit of contact area.



Still, no matter how hard you crimp, the terminal only makes contact
with
the very edge of the outer conductors, no matter how much pressure you
put
on the inner conductors.

Just not true.

Soldering makes contact with every strand on all
the surface area that's exposed.

True, but the soldered joint is subject to other factors that will
compromise
it over time.

.....and properly soldered, prevents
exposing covered copper to seawater and condensation corrosions.

Moisture (especially seawater) will eat up a soldered joint pretty quick.
A properly crimped joint that is sealed from moisture will last a long
time.



Sure it will last...if it is a "properly" crimped joint...but I don't
think you or Gary know any way to tell if it is "properly" crimped. So
you go on faith or solder. I'd solder.

When you section a crimp you can still see the individual strands so some
interface still exists. I will agree it is very close to homogeneous.
If however it is less than perfect there may well be excellent wicking
dimensions present.

Jim Donohue
Just one more thought. In a reasonably well crimped connection, the amount
of contact area between the wire and the connector exceeds by several
times the cross sectional area of the wire itself. The crimp is not the
weak point. Solder vs. crimp is one of those emotional issues like abortion,
guns, religion, etc. Everybody has their closely held beliefs that they
will
not abandon.