trim servo molex connector crimping

[Azjulian]

Ive been unhappy with my ratchet crimper results on these tiny molex micro-fit male terminals for the 6 position connector on the trim servo.

Can anyone recommend a good product that works well to get this task done ?

Thanks !

 

[Azjulian]

oh and whats a good source for new male pins so I can get some practice in ?

 

[John Owen]

oh and whats a good source for new male pins so I can get some practice in ?

I just ordered these. I haven't used them yet but, especially with Amazon Prime, it seemed reasonable.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LVIHH6A?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s02

John
RV-8

 

[rvbuilder2002]

The micro molex connectors require a specific pin (much smaller than the one in the above post).

I think both genders are available from Van's

 

[rapid_ascent]

You can get the Molex pins from Mouser or Digi-Key. They are a standard part. Mouser seems to have the lowest shipping.

The crimper is a different story. Molex sells a crimper for these contacts but it is $$$$ for the number of crimps that you will be doing. I have a generic crimper that has several smaller crimp positions that seems to work fine if I'm careful. I'm not sure of the brand though. It may even be a Molex but it's not the Microfit crimper.

 

[DGlaeser]

I just soldered those wires to a DB9 connector. I tried crimping, and even doubled up the tiny wires and stuck in additional wire to help fill the pin a bit. That helped but I was never satisfied with the results. So I soldered those.

 

[Raymo]

Get rid of the molex pins and go with standard D-Sub pins from Stein. No need for a DB9 connector, just ping them and heat shrink for protection. Then one large heat shrink over all the pins.

If you don't need the trim reading on your EFIS, you only need the two white wires.

 

[rvbuilder2002]

This is the RV-12 forum.

If a 12 is being built as an E-LSA, there is no option to do what you think is better. In reality, either way requires the proper crimper to install the pins.
The low cost crimper mentioned in section 5 of the manual actually works quite well. It is what we use in my shop.

I would never recommend soldering the pins for a connector at this location on the RV-12 unless the builder was highly skilled at soldering and could avoid any solder wicking into the wire beyond the pin (lots of potential for vibration induced wire movement at this location).

 

[Piper J3]

I second the post directly above... A properly crimped connector not only makes solid electrical connection to the wire but adds strain relief with the metal band that crimps over the wire insulation. Soldering will stiffen the stranded wire and cause a point of stress concentration.

 

[Azjulian]

I took the advice I found in this forum and bought the SAT-018 crimpers from SteinAir. To create really solid crimps, I first crimped the micro-fit connector onto the insulated wire end.

Then I pushed the wires into the connector, ensured they were seated properly and crimped the wires down. honestly with the SAT-018 crimpers and this really went smoothly and you get a very nice crimp.

 

[olderthandirt]

Molex connector

I would never disagree with Joe normaly, but I have to say the idea of soldering the connections seems a way better solution than the molex connector and tiny pins..mine did not go together good and sometimes does not make proper contact..I would much prefer solder connection and no question when it comes to trim...sorry Joe

 

[Marteck]

Spade connectors

My pitch trim servo on serial #0187 Page 11-06 rev 0 has 5 wires and uses
ES421-0108 and ES421-0107 flat spade connectors. These wires mate to the ES WHP30 empenage harness and each hang loose in a loop. Is there a revision and a change to Molex pin connectors at the servo? Or is this concerning the fuselage end of the ESWHP30 harness? I can not find a revision for the pitch trim servo.
The correct Molex crimper can usually be found on eBay surplus for a reasonable price.
Just Google the tool number to be sure it will crimp the terminals you are working on. Molex.com has a wealth of information on wires and crimping plus data sheets on all of their tools.
Jerry

 

[Bill_H]

All of Section 11 was updated back in 2011.
http://www.vansaircraft.com/public/12_Rev_page2.htm
Molex shown there.

I would check all of the revised plans (the link is to page 2) as you continue the build - there are other updates. You have an early serial number and your plans shipped with it will be early.

 

[Marteck]

Plan revisions

Bill: Thanks for the link to page 2 I had not noticed the note at bottom of
first page.
"Earlier RV-12 Revisions and Changes have been placed on an additional page.
Click here to go to page 2 of RV-12 Revisions and Changes"

I bought my kit with the empennage assembled, completing wings now.
I have noticed Vans does not use a revision block on the revised drawings with a note to what was changed and why. I can only assume there was an issue with the early design. I plan to change mine now to the new design. I noticed that the servo tray F1287A has a new design in Rev 1 with a cutout for the Molex wire block. But still uses the OLD part number from Rev 0.
I will just order the F1287A part number and see what shows up.
Regards,
Jerry

 

[rvbuilder2002]

I can only assume there was an issue with the early design.

The earlier design works just fine, and there are a lot of RV-12's flying in that configuration.
The new design is a bit less sensitive to builder skill, and there is lower risk of damaging the wires if it needs to be disassembled.

 

[Marteck]

Servo wiring

Scott; Thank you for your input . I will leave it alone, lots of other items to complete.
Jerry