Maine Bugs

Scott-

I have used a generic USB-serial adapter, then built the serial cable as instructed, and works fine for picaxe programming.

I use a generic crimp tool for the pins- I have one that is made for butt-splices and various other crimp on lugs, etc. it's just a cheap one from the hardware or automotive store- the kind with built in cutters for 4-40 thru 8-32 screws. I use the very smallest crimp section, out at the very end of the jaw.

If you don't have one of those, then you can use a small pair of needle-nose pliers to "crimp" the pin over the wire, then apply a -small- amount of solder to firm up the connection.

GL-
Bruce N1RX

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Thanks, Bruce. Being my first exposure to this type of Molex pin, I worked too hard at visualizing how they work.

"Ingenious," I thought, as I saw how a wire could be guided under the "spring," pushed into the tip, and folded back above the spring. Then, after being compressed in my needlenose pliers, the wire would be very secure and ready for crimping at the "lead" end. Very secure, and no soldering needed!

Yes, I absolutely flattened those three poor pins. Now, too late, I've discovered how simply they are meant to be installed. But I haven't uncovered a local source for replacements... ideas?

I've also abandoned the USB interface idea. Another area of ignorance -- I didn't realize I'd require a USB-serial adapter to make it work. So I've scavenged a serial port off an old computer and will install it into the new one (where COM1 was an option we had opted against, originally).

Scott-

I can send you some replacement pins for the programming cable. Let me know if your address is ok on QRZ. Or, you can send me an email direct, and let me know the mailing address.

Yes, using the USB to serial adapter can be an inconvenience. But, for some modern computers it's the only option, as RS232 ports become non-standard. Glad you've a got a serial card you can add to the system you are using.

-Bruce.

I thought I could find a custom computer place carrying the pins, but so far no luck. Radio Shack has a bunch of other Molex, but not these. Thanks for the offer Bruce. I'm OK at QRZ.

I'll get some pins out to you by this weekend, Scott. I've got to admit- I had not looked at the specific pins that Rex put in the kit. They are unlike any I have. They are joined in a strip, but the stip is across the contact end, instead of the 'wire' or crimp end. This means they take a great deal of care to separate them from the strip. I managed to cut mine apart using a set of electricians scissors.

The ones I use routinely have the metal carrier strip attached at the end the wire crimps onto. This makes the pins very easy to cut off the strip.

I am sending you two sets. A set from the kit that I have already trimmed from the strip, and a set of the type I use so you can see the difference. I will include another 3-pin shell, so you can make another cable if you need to.

When you insert the pins into the connector shell (after attaching the wires) take care that you insert them correctly. On each pin, you will see a small rectangular tab jutting out from one side of the contact. When you slide the contact into the housing, this tab should be lined up with the side of the shell with a corresponding slot. As you slide the pin into place, you will hear/feel a small 'click' as that tab drops into place. This is the retaining mechanism that holds the pin in place.

Let me know how it goes. If you like, I can post some photos of the assembly process.

GL,
Bruce N1RX

I found a satisfying treatment of Molex ins and outs on this pinball repair site. I'm sure there are other sources, but this page did a lot of explaining and included some valuable illustrations (taken from Molex) that show the good and the bad in crimping results. (For "the ugly" I could post photos of my botched effort.)

I used flush wire cutters to separate the pins. That part of the job turned out very neatly. Mine had the carrier strip on the wire end, though, so Rex (and Katie) must have kitted different types.

I wonder how many Lobsterconners have already programmed their bugs.