TrifurcoN Connector Pins and Molex Connector Housings.
This is just a little reminder so I can find the part numbers easily when I need them thanks to:
http://techniek.flipperwinkel.nl/wms11/index1.html
Trifurcon Connector Pins.
Molex makes a crimp-on .156″ size female terminal pin called a “trifurcon” pin (not available in the .100″ pin size). This style .156″ pin differs than the “normal” pin; the metal material is more heat resistant, and it has three wiper contacts instead of just one. The more contact points means the female pin “hugs” the male header pin with greater surface area. I highly recommend these. They are available from Digikey (800-344-4539 or http://www.digikey.com). You can also view the specs for these pins at http://www.molex.com/product/pcb/6838.html. Compares these to the “normal” connector pin specs at http://www.molex.com/product/pcb/2478.html.
Note Molex sells these pins in “strips” or on a “reel”. Do NOT buy connector pins this way! Always buy them in “bags” (separated). It’s just too difficult to cut them when they are in strips. If you don’t do a good job cutting them, they won’t insert into their plastic housing correctly. Also always get the tin plated version, NOT the gold plated pins.
.156″ Trifurcon pins (three wipers): Digikey part# WM2313-ND (Molex part# 08-52-0113, for 18 to 24 gauge wire). Price is $1.02 for 10, $8.50 for 100.
.156″ tin pins (one wiper): Hosfelt (800-524-6464) part# 08-50-0106, for 18 to 24 gauge wire). Price is $0.06 each.
Board Mounted Header Pins.
These are available in several styles. Get the most number of pins available, and cut the header to the size you need. They also come with a “lock” and without a lock. The lock variety is what you’ll use the most.
.156″ header pins with lock (12 pins): Hosfelt (800-524-6464) part# 26-48-1125, $0.94 each.
.156″ header pins with no lock (12 pins): Hosfelt (800-524-6464) part# 26-48-1121, $0.70 each.
Connector Housings.
Sometimes you’ll have to replace the plastic connector housing too if it is burnt, in addition to the pins within the housing. Get the most number of pins available, and cut the connector to the size you need.
.156″ white housings (12 pins): Hosfelt (800-524-6464) part# 09-50-3121, $0.79 each.
.156″ black hi-temp housing: Williams part #5792-13384-xx. The “xx” is the number of pins for the housing from “02” to “18”.
Polarized Pegs.
A polarized peg is a small nylon plug that go into the connector housing so the housing is “keyed” (you can’t plug it into the wrong board header pin connector). I highly recommend using these if you replace a connector housing.
.156″ polarized peg: Hosfelt (800-524-6464) part# 15-04-0220, $0.13 each.