05-09-2020, 09:23 PM
I worked in the past as an electronic tech (helped pay for uni) including some mil-spec stuff. A properly crimped connection was always considered the best and 'proper' way.
The problem for us amateurs is we don't tend to use the high quality connectors and crimps or have access to the right crimping tools. These, both connectors and especially the tools, tend to be VERY expensive! And for it to be done properly you need the correct connectors, correct pins and the correct tool to crimp them. As well as using exactly the right size and spec wire with the correct insulation. All stripped to the exact correct lengths without nicking any of the strands.
The stuff we get to use is often not great quality so we have to compromise. I solder some of my crimps but definitely try to avoid too much solder wicking up the insulation and also solder after you crimp (so don't crimp tinned wire).
Also be careful of the loose strands! I ended up inside a giant animatronic tiger live on stage at a fashion/art show with my laptop trying to debug a fault in it which turned out to be caused by poor wiring (not mine!) where a single strand was loose from the crimp and shorting across pins resetting the electronics from time to time.
With all the correct gear and practice doing even huge multi-pin connectors isn't too bad. With some of them you just have to remember to put the back-shell on first. Don't ask how I know!
Simon
The problem for us amateurs is we don't tend to use the high quality connectors and crimps or have access to the right crimping tools. These, both connectors and especially the tools, tend to be VERY expensive! And for it to be done properly you need the correct connectors, correct pins and the correct tool to crimp them. As well as using exactly the right size and spec wire with the correct insulation. All stripped to the exact correct lengths without nicking any of the strands.
The stuff we get to use is often not great quality so we have to compromise. I solder some of my crimps but definitely try to avoid too much solder wicking up the insulation and also solder after you crimp (so don't crimp tinned wire).
Also be careful of the loose strands! I ended up inside a giant animatronic tiger live on stage at a fashion/art show with my laptop trying to debug a fault in it which turned out to be caused by poor wiring (not mine!) where a single strand was loose from the crimp and shorting across pins resetting the electronics from time to time.
With all the correct gear and practice doing even huge multi-pin connectors isn't too bad. With some of them you just have to remember to put the back-shell on first. Don't ask how I know!
Simon