How to repair a 9V 2x2 connector?

[Dav1d]

I have a 9V wire with connectors. The wire has broken where it enters the connectors.

I have been told I can take the 2x2 connector apart and the wires are just clamped in position.

How do you take them apart? - I assume it is easy if you know how. I have read that I just need a small flat head screw driver.

Is there any more advice please maybe with photos of where to put the scredriver(s). Thanks.

  

[1963maniac]

This is what you want to watch.

[Dav1d]

Thank you, that was just what I was looking for. I have now taken the 2x2 connectors apart and ordered the cable. I expected to remove 1-2mm of insulation from the end of the cable - I don't see how there is an electrical connection.

This was just 2x2 to 2x2 connectors. I also have the speed controller to track connecters to repair - this is more complex. Is there a similar video on how to replace the that cable?

Thanks.

[Selander]

I'm confident that the metal part in the upper half, cuts through the insulation and makes electrical contact with each conductor. That's fairly standard procedure for connecting ribbon cables. (Just answering to the first part of your post, here)

Hence, you shall NOT remove any insulation....

Edited June 24, 2023 by Selander
Added info

[XG BC]

1 hour ago, Selander said:

I'm confident that the metal part in the upper half, cuts through the insulation and makes electrical contact with each conductor. That's fairly standard procedure for connecting ribbon cables. (Just answering to the first part of your post, here)

Hence, you shall NOT remove any insulation....

i highly suspect that aswell as the powerfunctions connectors work in this exact way.

[1963maniac]

 Dav1d Is this what you are looking for?

 

Edited June 24, 2023 by 1963maniac

[BatteryPoweredBricks]

@Dav1d If you need any help beyond the videos I'd be glad to help.  If anything is not clear let me know, I plan to make an updated guide soon that is a bit more to the point.  Any feedback is always welcome.

6 hours ago, Selander said:

I'm confident that the metal part in the upper half, cuts through the insulation and makes electrical contact with each conductor. That's fairly standard procedure for connecting ribbon cables. (Just answering to the first part of your post, here)

Hence, you shall NOT remove any insulation....

Yes, the connectors have blades that pierce the insulation and make contact (another benefit of this wire since the insulation is a soft material).  Make sure the blades are straight up and down before clamping the connector together.  If they are not straight they will be pushed down and most likely short circuit.  They need to go through the wire and into the plastic channels on the opposite side of the connector.

 

4 hours ago, XG BC said:

i highly suspect that aswell as the powerfunctions connectors work in this exact way.

They do!  I have even found a supplier on AliExpress that sells third party PF connectors.  I have a guide on this as well for extenders / adapters.

When I make an updated guide I may combine PF, 9v and train wires into a single video with chapters for each wire / adapter.

 

Thanks @1963maniac for alerting me to this thread

[Dav1d]

Thanks again, just what I needed. I hadn't spotted the tiny metal spikes that go through the wire - maybe the video needs a very close up shot

Now started on the track connectors, but have to wait for the cable. I think it is coming from the USA, I'm in UK, so I have to wait 10days.

I will let you know how I get on.

 

[BatteryPoweredBricks]

32 minutes ago, Dav1d said:

Thanks again, just what I needed. I hadn't spotted the tiny metal spikes that go through the wire - maybe the video needs a very close up shot

Now started on the track connectors, but have to wait for the cable. I think it is coming from the USA, I'm in UK, so I have to wait 10days.

I will let you know how I get on.

 

 

I really need to upgrade my camera, that's the main reason I haven't remade the tutorials.  All my spare money goes to Bricklink though

There is now a link for the UK in the description.  I had updated later tutorials with the link but not these for some reason.  You may have time to cancel and get faster shipment or a better price with the UK link.  I don't really have a way to check on my end but want to have as many links as I can for those in other countries

https://www.amazon.co.uk/BNTECHGO-Silicone-Ribbon-Flexible-Parallel/dp/B07PPSKVNN/?th=1

[Dav1d]

I think that is the link I used (or similar) - it says 'dispatches from Amazon US' - so I assume it ships from the US.

[Dav1d]

It arrived a few weeks ago, probably didn't come from the US as there there was no customs duty.

I have been busy so didn't have time to work on it.

Got the short cable working. Didn't work first time as one of the connectors was damaged. A simple cable tester was necessary.

Will try the 9V train cables next.

[Dav1d]

Working on the 9V train cables I found it was best to remove the last 1mm of insulation of the 2x2 end of the cable to test that the track connections work. Once they are tested, trim the cable again.

I have fixed two, one now runs the motor backwards, the other forwards. I thought I had got it the same way round as a working cable - the video doesn't mention that

I think a magnifying glass to see the metal prongs on the 2x2 connectors are pointing up would be useful.

I may need a spot of glue on the track connectors as the clips are bent and may not hold tight