CHAPTER 22 ■ SOLDERING AND CONNECTINGA tool is necessary to force the metal terminal to wrap around and hold the wire for attachment
(see Figure 22-14). You can use the crimp tool on a variety of connectors, not just the KK series.
Figure 22-14. Molex universal crimp tool (Molex #63811-1000)
Note that the metal terminal is not soldered to the wire. It’s pressed into a shape that embraces the wire.
Interestingly, industrial strength motors or components that consume many amps of current can actually
heat up solder enough to liquefy it. In those circumstances, crimped connections are the way to go.
Some builders do solder the terminal to the wire after crimping. Additionally, they add heat-shrink
tubing to protect the terminal and keep it firmly in place in the housing. However, these steps are optional.
Obtaining Molex KK Equipment
In total, the line-following robot requires the following connector parts:
- 5 two-pin headers
- 5 two-pin housings
- 1 four-pin header
- 1 four-pin housing
- 14 terminals (but, get some extra)
- 1 crimp tool
In all cases, the headers and housings should be 0.100-inch center (2.54 mm). The housings should all
have locking ramps and polarizing ribs.
When you add up the total cost per connection, connectors are not inexpensive. Table 22-2 lists a few
suppliers of the necessary Molex KK equipment.