Fitting Servo Plugs

[scallybert]

I'd like to shorten some gyro, ESC (throttle), etc leads.

I guess the sensible thing is to get some servo plugs and a crimping tool.

So, what tool, plugs, etc, and where to get them ?

[Steve]

I've been doing my own leads and plug ends for years now. Like everything else in life, there are good ones, mediocre ones and bad ones. Ashtek Electronics do a reasonable range including the tools so you can get everything you need under one roof.

You need a crimping tool, wire cutter, small diameter wire stripper and the plugs. If you get yourself a load of servo wire as well and some male/female plugs, you'll be able to make up your own extension leads to custom lengths in the future as well. Works for me.

http://ashtekelectronics.com/shop/

[Mslater]

Is it my imagination or is that an exceptionally cheap supplier ?

Thank you - gonna place an order right now.

[Kozmyk]

Ashtek look like a good place to get connector housings and pins from but I don't see a crimping tool on their site.
Any links to a good crimp tool for servo connector pins?

[Red3]

i got my cripers from ashtek they are koion part number hy-sm-301c i will have a look for a link

[Pitman]

Looks like Ashtek is closing down? From their news page:

ASHTEK STOCK
Date added: 28/07/2010
I wont be purchasing any new stock. Most things except for the ashlok connectors are reduced by price!!!!!!!!

Could be the reason why they no longer seem to list the crimping tool.

[Red3]

that's a shame as they allways gave me good service.

[scallybert]

Thanks for the replies.

I'd already looked at Ashtek, but didn't find any crimping tools at all - which surprised me. I guess the de-stocking is why.

Searches showed up postings on various forums; which supported my view that I wanted a decent tool. I don't fancy grief and reliability issues...

Does anyone know what the spec of the tool needs to be ? eg is it the same as those for doing RJ45s (or such ?).

Any UK links/pointers would be good.

[Steve]

Here's my tools for doing this. Can't remember where I got them or how much I paid - could have been at the Sandown show years ago. The crimpers have some kind of numbers on the jaws, so presumably this refers to the size of the crimps. The two crimping bites are slightly different size - I use the smaller one (nearest the tip) to crimp the bare wire to the pin, then the larger one (nearest the handle) to crimp the wire sleeve to the pin. Job done.

I believe you can also get ratchet crimpers, but I rekon it's a bit overkill for tiny little plugs like we use.

[Toolman]

Sad to here about Ashtek,
I sort of stopped using them when their website became static & they stopped adding New products.
As for crimp tools, most model shops do stock these.
For example Alshobbies
Al's Hobbies - Jamara HT-202B Crimp Tool

I tend not to crimp my own servo connectors that often though, as I don't trust them 100%. If you are going to do it, buy some spare pins
so you can test the crimp tool is set correctly for the pins & wire guage you are using.
You don't want it to be over crimped, yet you want to give it a good pull to test so you can't pull the wire out!

Tim.

[waveydavey]

I find the crimping tool surprisingly good. The first time I tried it I couldn't get along with it so I sent it to someone on here. I tried it before I sent it and found it worked fine.

I've never had one fail in use.

[Andy from Sandy]

I purchased a kit from Hanson hobbies in the states.

Servo Connector Kits

Everything in a neat box ready to go.

[Mark_T]

I purchased a kit from Hanson hobbies in the states.

Servo Connector Kits

Everything in a neat box ready to go.

Same place I got mine, very easy to deal with and prompt delivery. I can't comment on the international shipping though as I got mine while in the USA, but they seem well set-up to handle the international side of things.

[scallybert]

eg is it the same as those for doing RJ45s (or such ?).

Silly of me. It will be nothing like RJ45s (UTP ethernet connectors). RJ45s do all the connectors at once and apply a strain relief, all inside the plastic shield, with a single crimping tool action.

[hduk]

Hobby City are a good source for connectors $2 for 10 pairs quality is good too im running them in 2 of my gas planes, no issues......... (i do solder and crimp to be sure........ call me paranoid ) HobbyKing Online R/C Hobby Store : Servo Terminals (Futaba) Gold Plated (10pairs/set)

Think FL have the tools Fast Lad Performance this looks the same as the one i purchased............