#238 The Wrong Connectors😲forget DuPont, use JST or IDC for final use

I've decided to go PRO with my cable connectors in the future. You'll see why.

So a recent project started to fail due to a bad decision on which connectors to use. I've made a jump to some industry standard ones now.

► JST Plugs, sockets, with/out flying leads (wires)

► IDC connectors

► IDC Crimping Tool
Take a look around, lots of very similar tools, varying prices

► List of all my videos
(Special thanks to Michael Kurt Vogel for compiling this)

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[RalphBacon]

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[davidstacer]

The connector you showed in the video is the JST XH Series. The JST company makes a huge variety of connectors. Have a look a the JST-XA connector too. It has a locking tab you push to release the connector.

[TYGAMatt]

Normally I'll use JST or screw terminals but I too got lazy with a couple of ACS712 sensors in a project. Didn't take long before I kicked my own @rse and soldered on some prefab JST plugs.
Those IDC connectors look great. Up to 5 minutes ago I had no idea how they were assembled, but will now have to order some up. As usual watching one of your vids ends up with me holding less folding!!

[Enigma]

For one off projects, I've been known to salvage cables and connectors from junked electronics such as VCR's, DVD players, etc.

[vwlowen]

From bitter experience, I learned there are two different pitches of IDC ribbon cable (and plugs and sockets). 1.0mm and 1.27mm. 1.27mm is our hobbyist preferred pitch as it matches the 2.54mm (0.1") plugs and sockets.

[Bill-cwei]

I was specifically digging this subject yesterday, great to see you talking about it. I would like to mention that there are numerous standards of JST sockets/cables and all of them bring different styles. You can check for example those ones ZH, PH, SH, PHD, EH, XH & SM. I'm intending to use SM ones in my case, the big advantage being their design that let you (un)plug very easily by pressing the 2 handles (this is pretty much what we're used to see with light strips) .

[danman]

Definitely single or dual pin headers with Dupont style would be a problem but if you gang more pins together with one shell, especially dual row, they aren't too bad. It also depends on the brand of pin/socket. Many Dupont clones are cheaply made and don't hold well. You can tell with what come with Arduino clones.
Crimping pins/sockets are a headache though if you customize your cable.

I totally agree to strain relief your hardwiring, especially with stranded wire.

[MartinAncher]

You mention in the video, that you recommend putting on the strain relief for the IDC connector. I have found, that these connectors are sold both with or without the stain relief. The regular connector with strain relief is used most. However there exists male connectors for the PCB that has clamps on, that go over the female connector after it is seated. This connector with clamps works without the strain relief on the female connector. There os not room for both strain relief and clamps. You have to pick one.

[Rapid-eraser]

I don't now if it is ready mentioned but there is an IDC connector crimping tool for this,
so if you have to crimp lots of connectors is handy to have one in your toolbox.

[Poult]

Thanks for this video. I am currently putting som battery management equipment together on my boat, and I was wondering about the near-permanence of the jst connectors, and that I'd need to be making and breaking these during the teething-phase of this job! This video provided the answer! THANK YOU!

[noweare]

I always plan on at least one respin of the board. I have just accepted that. The duponts are better if you use (for example 5 pin header) one connector instead of using separate connector for each pin. I agree the jst a better, it observes polarity. How come you mask the screw contacts on your circuit board, makes a good ground connection ?

[AlbertDongler]

Those connectors add the finishing touches to a project. Very handy tip on the JST, I shall use that tip on my projects. Thank you!

[Cptnbond]

Thanks for your connector discussion and that tutorial on IDC connectors. I have not thought about the latter - thus an eye-opener for me. Cheers.

[FanPhys]

Great video. I've been using Dupont connectors in my prototyping for a long time now and I find that they are very good as long as the parts aren't subjected to movement. Another good solution is latching 2.54 connectors (Molex clones), which are typically used on PC fans. They provide a durable keyed connection and as an added bonus they can handle up to 4 amps per pin (if you're brave!). Best of all, you can get the headers in 90-degree flavour so your connector sits flush with your PCB, which is great for low profile builds.

[EcoHamletsUK]

I've glued Dupont connectors together to make a multi-way connector. A number of them together seems to make them a tighter fit, and has worked well enough for the projects I've done so far. I'm too tight to buy IDC cable and connectors when I have old computer cables around. I've re-located the plugs and they seem to be fine if you're careful.

[thorbjrnhellehaven]

At 15:20 can't salvage the plug?

I have moved the plug for an IDE cable for two drives..
The cable was long enough in total, but the middle plug was too close to the motherboard end. I carefully removed the middle plug, then aligned it where I wanted it, and applied som pressure to it. Worked like a charm 😀

[andymouse]

Good advice Ralph, I tend to use Dupont for a programming headers on my PCB's but JST for the rest and the difficulty in unplugging hasn't bothered me so far!...cheers.

[danharold]

Good to see your still making vids Ralph. Have not been doing much electronics of late so have not been following. Need to do a binge session and catch up on.
But I was connecting up a new controller to my 3D printer and ran into the problem you describe here. After seeing the mechanism on your vid I pried up at the base of the slot and it popped right off. Thanks!

[johnmarshall]

Hi Ralph, you must have been watching me over the last few weeks ... I have used 100's of Dupont Sockets and plugs on my Model Railway Electronics ... but ive know kicked them out after weeks of problems and gone with the JST XH connectors and I completely rewired and obtained new PCB's from JLCPCB ... I have started using between 3 pin and 12 pin JST connectors and made up my own crimps wires and I also find after a Youtube vid on making the crimps the correct way I have had about 5 sockets fail after making over 200 crimps to sockets ... the kits are available on ebay for a box of 1 to 5 way connects but I also got seperate 6way, 8 way, 10 way, and 12 way ... they are brilliant and now this section of the layout works ...Regards John

[danesz]

Pulling on the wire of the JST connectors is fine since the pulling force will be mostly distributed on the contacts.
Why didn't you cut the plastic notch on the housing instead? That way you can use the connector on the normal ones, that you haven't cut yet.