Odp: [sdiy] looking for specific wires

[Colin Hinz]

Joseph Craig comments:

> I received my connectors today, but the KK series is NOT what
> I'm looking for. It looks like these terminals are for inserting
> into a connector that slides onto the header. I need connectors
> that can slide onto the header just by being crimped on a wire
> and shrink tubed. ideas? don't really want to have to spend a
> bunch of cash before I find the correct one. I went ahead and
> ordered that crimper you suggested so they must be compatible
> with open D-Sub Pins, Terminal Lugs.

What size of header pins? Round or square?

AMP/Tyco has the HDP-20 series for serial port connectors, available
from Digi-Key. Similar parts are from NorComp, same source.

Molex/Waldom "C-grid" crimp terminals are intended to be inserted
into a header, and mate with square header posts. Because of the
box construction of the contact the plastic housing probably
isn't necessary. Again, Digi-Key.

The KK terminals are nasty, even if you are using the plastic
housing piece, being that they're made of cheap tinplated brass
and have only a single contact surface against the mating pin.
Never ever use KK terminals in vibration prone environments,
as they're sure to go flaky eventually. I learned this the
hard way. I ended up using the Berg "PV" contacts which come
to think of it, may be compatible with your requirements:

http://www.fciconnect.com/basics/basics_america/basics_america_08_26.htm

These were used in 400 lb mobile robots, and they never went
flaky on us. They're good 'uns!

- Colin Hinz
  Toronto, Canada