View on GitHub

Quorten Blog 1

First blog for all Quorten's blog-like writings

Sure, I’ve previously noted information on how to crimp Molex connectors, but now I’m looking for a really nice guide. And I think I’ve found one. Not only that, but it also contains some interesting information on pinball machines. So that’s why the pinball machine I saw at one location disappeared a few years later? Yes, indeed it did break down, and the owner didn’t want to repair it, so they got rid of it and replaced it with an electronic arcade machine.

One thing to note about Molex connectors. They have a limited cycle life of around 25 insertion cycles. Why? Primarily, it is the plating that gets damaged from insertions, not the gripping force. Once the plating gets damaged, corrosion can advance and render the connection unusable. This is why gold plated connectors have a longer insertion cycle life up to 100 cycles, because the plating is more durable to the forces and stresses imparted on it. Namely, it can bend and flex better without breaking.

20200214/DuckDuckGo how to crimp molex connector
20200214/http://www.pinrepair.com/connect/
20200214/https://hackaday.com/2015/04/07/how-to-properly-crimp-electronics-connectors/

Important! What is the difference between crimping and insulation displacement? Crimping requires that you strip the wires first. Insulation displacement does not, since the connector with cut through the insulation to make contact with the wires.