Connectors for tiny wires

[mattonthesea]

My VHF radio provides GPS and AIS through three tiny wires. These I have connected with a chocolate box to an RS232 cable for the last three years moment. But now I want to connect them with an inline plug and socket for reasons of reliability, access and looks.

Can anyone point me to a suitable inline connector? I've tried searching but I get overloaded with b&q stuff.
The radio is attached to the deckhead and the connection is about 50mm from the back of it

 

[Irish Rover]

Wagos?

 

[wonkywinch]

Micro Molex connectors?

https://cpc.farnell.com/molex/43025-0408/connector-housing-rcpt-4pos/dp/CN25920

 

[Refueler]

Here we go to the RC Model world ... where we have just the thing for it ... JST connectors.

Basically you crimp a pin connector to one side ... and receiver connector to other side ...

All designed for super thin / light wires .... giving you a plug + socket connection.

You can also get them in solder form ... where you decide how many connectors in the block ... solder and away you go.

 

[Rum Run]

Here we go to the RC Model world ... where we have just the thing for it ... JST connectors.

Basically you crimp a pin connector to one side ... and receiver connector to other side ...

All designed for super thin / light wires .... giving you a plug + socket connection.

You can also get them in solder form ... where you decide how many connectors in the block ... solder and away you go.

Wot Refueler said.
The easiest place to buy them online is Ebay. If you get into searching RS, Farnell, Rapid etc you are entering a world of pain from bad descriptions, duplicated part numbers and general electronics industry autism-spectrum grief. eg the link from Wonkywinch is only the shell so needs you to find the correct terminals then you need the mating part and it's terminals.
If you are near a RC models shop they should have JSTs but that area of retail seems to have become endangered.

 

[Refueler]

Pardon Our Interruption...

Something like this ??

Gives you all the connectors and crimper ... ??

 

[andsarkit]

I use SP13 connectors available from CPC and Ebay. Make sure you get the correct mating of pins and housing. You need to be able to solder but they are small, cheap, gold plated pins and IP68 if your wires have an overall sheath.

 

[Refueler]

I use SP13 connectors available from CPC and Ebay. Make sure you get the correct mating of pins and housing. You need to be able to solder but they are small, cheap, gold plated pins and IP68 if your wires have an overall sheath.
View attachment 199544

I think the JST is much smaller and useful in this scenario.

 

[Refueler]

Just to add .... in RC world we are used to connecting very fine wires .. ie Flight controllers / GPS / Video TX / servos etc .... wires that usual 'strippers' often cut the wire as well !

 

[andsarkit]

I think the JST is much smaller and useful in this scenario.

Agree it is smaller but for an inline connection you would have to solder on to the pcb header and unless you have a handed row of pins they could be connected the wrong way round. I would prefer some strain relief and waterproofing on any boat connection.
If you don't mind waiting you can get them for silly money from Ali Express

 

[lustyd]

we also used JST. Cheap out on the connectors if you must but be sure to buy reasonable quality crimp tool as it makes the job much easier. Not crazy money, maybe the £20 version rather than the £5 one