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installing a Ray Allen Electric Trim w 24 gauge wire
Hi,
I am installing a Ray Allen Trim Servo c/w switch and indicator. The unit comes with 24 gauge wires grrr.
I used 18-22 gauge butt and spade connectors. I transitioned from the 24 gauge to 18 using butt connectors with shrink wrap over them. Everything passes the pull test, but I am not as happy as I could be knowing the connectors are a bit oversized.
Does anyone have any aviation worthy tips on how to handle connecting these small wires and transitioning to larger gauge where necessary.
Perry
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Ken Ryan
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What I have done is to crimp D-Sub pins (male and female) to each wire end. Then join the wires together by connecting the pins, and covering with heat shrink. The result is tidy and reliable.
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Permalink Reply by Arnie Minear
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the quality of your crimps usually depends on the tool you use. I prefer the crimp tool that leaves a little dimple in the center of the crimp. Something like the klein 1005 crimping tool.
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Permalink Reply by Bob Simmons
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Permalink Reply by John Burns
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I used the same technique as Ken Ryan. Here is a YouTube video link from Stein Air showing the process. They are also a good source for the supplies. 008: SIMPLE CONNECTION FOR AIRCRAFT TRIM WIRES
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That reminds me. I need a new heat gun.
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Permalink Reply by Clint L Gosch
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The D-Sub pin method is the most elegant, and is what I used. If you don't have access to D-Sub pin crimp tool, you could still use the standard butt connectors with an additional wire installed on the 24awg side to bulk up the cross-sectional area and provide for a better crimp.
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Permalink Reply by Perry Delano
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Hi Ken,Annie,Bob,John,Clint,
I guess deep down, I was hoping someone would say ´Don’t Worry About it’ (I’m told this is a quote from Sopranos) the oversized connectors are fine. Well so much for that. Thanks for all the great tips, and links suggested. It is the first time I’ve seen the d sub crimper of the type shown in one of the videos. The Stein video was great as well. Folding over the wire or bulking up wire with second wire and shrink wrap seems like a good idea as well. Well back to building, some changes are in order.
PS For std connectors I have the red blue yellow ratcheting type and a Klein Tool wire stripper. The Klein wire stripper is made for stripping down to 24 gauge, but was not doing it. I discovered the SHCS on one of the jaws had come loose such that it was pivoting and not stripping cleanly. I have not checked it since tightening the screws.Perry
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