I’ll be soldering the pin headers to the output expander soon, and looking for recommendations for a simple way to connect my light strings to the expander. I’d like it to be easily connected and removed.
What I had in mind is some sort of pigtail that I could connect to my xconnect pigtails as that’s how my light strings are terminated.
I could also wire the pin connectors directly to my xconnect pigtails if it’s a simple process. I don’t have steady hands so I’m trying to avoid delicate soldering situations. TIA,
A lot of what you describe is exactly what I like the Pro Expander for. The pluggable screw terminals are easily connected and removed, making spares easy. They are faster than soldering or crimping and don’t require as steady a hand.
That said, once when a project felt like it had lots of time but not a lot of budget, I did strip and crimp the data wire from connectors similar to xConnect pigtails into tiny Dupont-style connectors (think like, 3-pin female servo connectors). With careful strain relief, it can work.
Thanks Jeff, I just realized since I’m using 12 volt I actually only need a two-pin connector since I will be using the ground and data but not the power. In any case I may buy a couple different connectors to see what works best.
That makes sense! This week, getting many holiday lights back up and working I’ve been reminded I have many wired in the same way with just data and ground! I was also reminded that apparently I’m not above an inline Wago and that they work fine Might be another solution for doing less fine detail work with hands.
Might be another solution for doing less fine detail work with hands.