how do we do the connections for the stepper motors?

[davidsf]

Hi there. The manual is not very clear on how we are supposed to put on the crimp on connectors.

Does anyone have the exact steps for:

stripping the wire
putting on the crimp on connector
inserting the crimp on connector into the four hole black connector

We don't want to mess up the stepper motors so any detailed instructions and or pictures would be helpful.

David

[cambo3d]

easiest way is to buy the correct crimping tool for the pins. It will make this job a whole lot easier.

once you have the right tool. the tool will crimp the bare wire and crimp the insulation of your wire for strain relief.

I have a photo here somewhere but i can't seem to find it. its posted in mhackneys build log also..http://forum.seemecnc.com/viewtopic.php ... =390#p8900

the tool can be purchased from jameco. Which is the one I used because I already had it. http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores ... _159266_-1 its a universal tool but it works.

Be better to have the correct tool sized for the pins. I found the correct one ebay. I didn't save the link so i'll have to search for it again.

[cpunches]

Cambo is correct about having the correct tool for the job. I actually ruined more of the connectors than I was successful with - and ended up needing to order more (as well as the correct crimping tool!).

Also, one of the other members here, mhackney, posted an excellent link for crimping connections: http://www.robotshop.com/blog/en/how-to ... ctors-4225. I would also read through some of the other build logs here too, there is a wealth of info to be had that can help you complete your build. Helped me immensely.

[davidsf]

Thank you both! Very helpful. Think we are getting it.

This would be very useful info for the next rev of the assembly manual.

[Jimustanguitar]

I took some pictures of this process for another post a week or two ago. If the first two suggestions didn't get you pointed in the right direction, take a look at this one too: http://forum.seemecnc.com/viewtopic.php ... imp#p12202

[geneb]

FYI, Jameco sells a very nice crimping tool for under $20.

Here's a generic video that illustrates the process.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxMYjJ4Lwi0

g.

[lordbinky]

Yeah, if you're not used to crimping connectors it's best to use a tool, after you've done a few hundred good connections you can get away with just about any tool while grumbling that you want your good tool back.

Like Jim, I add a little solder to crimped connectors in this style for my personal projects for a couple reasons:
These aren't gas tight connections, obviously, which is also why reinforcing the electrical connection with a dab of solder is possible.
A proper crimp (wire and connector are sized properly) should make a solid connection that essentially microwelds some of the connecting surfaces so you reduce your trouble with oxidizing/corroding that can lead to trouble like hot connections in the case of higher current uses or poor signals. Since we are regularly pushing a decent amount of current through these connections I think if you're comfortable with it, sealing the connection with solder will save you some trouble in the far future. It may be me just being paranoid, but then again my equipment at work is 20+ years old in a salt mine so this stuff actually causes me headaches.

And you definitely don't see this on commercial things because it negates one of the biggest pros of crimping which is it's speed, as well as other factors as a crimped connection being UL approved, the solder work may not be which then makes it an unapproved connection, etc...

[Jimustanguitar]

after you've done a few hundred good connections you can get away with just about any tool while grumbling that you want your good tool back.

I know that feeling!

[626Pilot]

I used needle nose pliers to pinch the first jaws around the wire rubber, and the second jaws around the exposed wire. I had to make adjustments sometimes to get the crimped connectors into the housings, and I think I ruined about 40% of the things in the process of learning. I really think SeeMeCNC should just spend the extra couple of bucks and get pre-crimped wires, like the ones that come with the RAMBo kit. That step alone takes a long time and there is very little payoff. (Unless you have lots of experience crimping tiny wires, but I think most people who buy this kit are not electrical engineers.)

[geneb]

Trust me, they're trying. Unfortunately, their supplier keeps sending them stepper motors with the wrong connectors on them! Apparently, even given numerous photos of the correct connector AND a part number, they still screw it up.

g.

[lordbinky]

That makes me laugh just because absurd stuff like that shouldn't be common, but it kind of is.... It feels like it becomes contagious, my mind goes blank when I try to think of how they aren't getting it if they are legitimately trying.

[kit]

Cambo is correct about having the correct tool for the job. I actually ruined more of the connectors than I was successful with - and ended up needing to order more (as well as the correct crimping tool!).

Also, one of the other members here, mhackney, posted an excellent link for crimping connections: http://www.robotshop.com/blog/en/how-to ... ctors-4225. I would also read through some of the other build logs here too, there is a wealth of info to be had that can help you complete your build. Helped me immensely.

Hey Cpunches
I was wondering what are the sizes of the Molex connectors? I followed in your footsteps and ruined a few connectors. I've got to order new ones but I want to make sure they are the right size and model.
I also I have to order a new 4-pin connector. The KIT comes with 5, 4-pin connectors and i ruined 1 so unless SeeCnC gives you an extra 4-pin connector Im going to need those too.
So if anyone had any information on that too Id really appreciate it.

[kit]

Nevermind I think I've already figured it out
Is this the Connector/ Molex Pin combo that ships with the Rostock MAX?

https://ultimachine.com/content/254mm-1 ... kit-5-pack

https://ultimachine.com/content/254mm-1 ... kit-5-pack

[geneb]

For the stepper motors, you do want the latching connectors. $5 is a great deal too.

g.

[kit]

Alright great. Thanks for the information geneb.
And thanks for writing up the assembly guide too.

I've never touched a tool in my life.
Never crimped, stripped, soldered, screwed ANYTHING EVER. Didnt know how to read screw sizes or which tools to use for anything.
The only time I ever worked with a tool would probably be a hammer and nail.

So thanks,
Without your effort and your assembly guide I'd be completely screwed

[geneb]

You're quite welcome. It's been an interesting process to say the least.

Here's a good video that illustrates the general process of attaching a crimp socket to a wire:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vptd2n5p5-I

You'll use the same tool, but the larger crimp die.

g.

[626Pilot]

I started using this for all my wire stripping and crimping: http://www.amazon.com/Irwin-Industrial- ... p+stripper

It has jaws that ratchet into place to grab the wire and remove the insulation, and it works REALLY well, except with solid core wire that has slippery insulation (i.e. the wires on a Budaschnozzle hot end.) For stranded wire, I've never seen it remove anything but the insulation. None of the wires that come in a Rostock kit are solid core, so no issue there. It will even remove the PVC jacket around speaker wire, leaving the wire insulation underneath untouched!

It has a little depth selector thing you can use to make sure you strip the same amount of insulation off all the wires, which can also be flipped out of the way if you just want to wing it. The tool should work great for any wires you have to strip during your build. I don't know if the crimping part of the tool is good for doing the stepper wires, but it will certainly strip them easily. I'd get one of the crimpers linked above with finer "teeth" as well, to be sure. It's better to have an extra tool than to get that sinking feeling that you've ruined one too many pin crimps to have a working printer, and realize you will have to wait days to get new ones.