TT-MTA (2.54mm pitch) wire to board connectors and alternatives

[fragletrollet]

So I've been struggling finding a good wire to board connector with 2.56mm pitch for use with balanced cabling. I've been through various incarnations of the "Molex" connector, specifically the "KK2510" type and similar (the smaller XH etc).
Obviously I don't have the original expensive crimping tool, but after going through a bunch of different cheap tools, I found one that actually works quite well.

That said, I find the whole format kind of flimsy; it takes lots of practice to get a good crimp and when using them on balanced wire like the Mogami W2944 (AWG26) it's so easy to end up with slightly different lengths when done crimping, which compromises the connection quality. Yes I've done plenty cheap'o brands, and while going for more expensive alternatives from reputable distributors definetively showed a machining precision difference, I still hate this connector.

I've used the TT Connectivity MTA in bigger sizes (0.156) that were fast to assemble (even without the tool), and have been watching the MTA-100 series as a more sturdy alternative to the "molex".
Any experiences? I think it's made for AWG24 but what can I do. (Or should I look at a different cable?)

What do I need for a full assembly? Would this work?

https://www.tme.eu/no/en/details/3-643814-3/mta-100-connectors-2-54mm/te-connectivity/

https://www.tme.eu/no/en/details/640550-3/mta-100-connectors-2-54mm/te-connectivity/

https://www.tme.eu/no/en/details/640456-3/mta-100-connectors-2-54mm/te-connectivity/

do I need the following cap? I've just used the cap with the one's I've tried.

https://www.tme.eu/no/en/details/643075-3/mta-100-connectors-2-54mm/te-connectivity/

Thanks for any help,

 

[fragletrollet]

(Shy bump)

 

[ruffrecords]

Very interesting topic. In the last decade I have crimped hundreds and hundreds of Molex 0.1 pitch KK crimps using a hand tool, Fortunately I have never had a failure but the process is still a bit hit and miss. Exactly how much insulation should you strip off? Exactly how far should you push it into the tool? Should I crimp screens or use a pig tail? The questions are endless. Very often the three wires of a balanced signal end up different lengths so the longest gets a little bent when the shorter ones are pushed home but I have mixxers that have been out in the field over 10 years but not once has a Molex KK failed.

Having said that, I don't like them. They just don't feel right. If I did not need twisted screened pairs I would go straight to IDC and ribbon cable. I even toyed with the idea of using RJ45 connectors which at least have the twisted pairs and an overall screen.

Probably the biggest competitor to Molex is JST (Japan Solderless Terminal) connectors. You see these in just about every consumer electronic device but like Molex, the "official" crimp tools are very expensive and I doubt they solve any of the usual hand crimping problems I mentioned. But the connectors do seem somewhat sturdier than the Molex equivalents so they may be worth considering.

Cheers

Ian

 

[ruffrecords]

I just came across this web site.

https://www.mattmillman.com/info/crimpconnectors/

Cheers

Ian

 

[TimG]

This answers many questions Ian, thanks!