Wire-wrap

[Martin Czech]

:::Dear all,	
:::
:::  My circuits seem to be getting more complex and strip-board
:::is fast becoming a pain in the arse to use... Im looking into
:::wire-wrap, can someone explain this to me and what I may need.
:::
:::  From what Ive seen you solder a wire, run it to where its going
:::solder it, cut it (if needed) and start again.. I guess the heat
:::from the soldering iron melts the thin covering, what stops
:::the heat from one wire melt then outer of another and shorting
:::them?
:::

Paul, 

I use the method that our lab assistant uses all day for our custom
measurement gear: epoxyd or pertinax boards, single or double copper
layer (hf needs double for ground plane, but these come expensive, like
10 Euro). However, predrilled holes (1/100 inch distance for standard
packages) and copper blobs arround them (the ground planes are a single
area, isolated from pins, of course). In the Farnel catalogue you'll
find a red tool, like a stick. It is a cutter and de-isolator at the
same time. It's expensive (45 Euro or so), but you'll only need one in
your life. You get some wire from the roll, snip it and de-isolate it
for a few mm. The wire for this tool is 0.2mm , I think. It comes in a
couple of different colours. The rolls are expensive, too, but you use
them for years. Then you solder your prepared piece of wire from one
copper island to the next. 

It is wire wrap tools, but no wire wrap technique, because you solder
the stuff, instead winding it arround posts. 

The wire is stiff and should not be bend so often. On the board it is very 
reliable, however.

I do all my experimental stuff this way, and I do all ground and supply wires
in a star scheme, so no problems.

For about 150 to 200 Euro you get peace of mind for years.

m.c.