ruffrecords
Well-known member
Regular IDC connectors are easy enough to fit cables to using a bench vice. No special tools required. However, I have recently started using Molex Picoflex connectors:
https://www.digikey.com/en/videos/m/molex-connector/molex---picoflex-ribbon-cable-connectors
They are very compact and ready made terminated cables are available in various lengths at reasonable prices. However, the other day I needed to make a daisy chain cable which connects several boards together. With regular IDC this is no problem but with Picoflex it turns out to be a PITA. This is because, instead of the blades sitting proud of the connector so all you need to is press the cable into them with the cable clamp, with picoflex the clamp is built in to the connector and it is the blades in the connector that move up into the cable. As the blades are inside the connector there is no simple way to do it by hand. So I looked on line for the correct Molex tool to do it. Turns out this costs over £1000!!!! Eventually I found a needle file that just fits in the connector and sits proud enough to press the contacts into the cable in a vice. It is all a bit awkward but it does seem to work.
Ideally I would like to use a 'proper' tool but one that is much less expensive. Anyone else have experience with these connectors?
Cheers
Ian
https://www.digikey.com/en/videos/m/molex-connector/molex---picoflex-ribbon-cable-connectors
They are very compact and ready made terminated cables are available in various lengths at reasonable prices. However, the other day I needed to make a daisy chain cable which connects several boards together. With regular IDC this is no problem but with Picoflex it turns out to be a PITA. This is because, instead of the blades sitting proud of the connector so all you need to is press the cable into them with the cable clamp, with picoflex the clamp is built in to the connector and it is the blades in the connector that move up into the cable. As the blades are inside the connector there is no simple way to do it by hand. So I looked on line for the correct Molex tool to do it. Turns out this costs over £1000!!!! Eventually I found a needle file that just fits in the connector and sits proud enough to press the contacts into the cable in a vice. It is all a bit awkward but it does seem to work.
Ideally I would like to use a 'proper' tool but one that is much less expensive. Anyone else have experience with these connectors?
Cheers
Ian