Dumb wiring question

[smonard]

I have just installed a SH plotter, a SH VHF, an AIS engine and a GPS repeater. What is the best method of connecting wires? I have used connection blocks but it seems like a horrible option for such tiny fragile wires. The connections are sure to fail. I would just solder the wires together but some wires like the plotter green wires are used more than once. Is there a better solution, are there connection strips with tabs that wires can be soldered to? Junction boxes? Soldered automotive connectors. Wish they made the wires a bit more chunky.
Thanks

 

[stephenh]

Try using IDC butt connectors, used for telephone wires.

Here for instance :

http://www.phillip-cooper.co.uk/pacscableinstallations/wire-connectors/cat_10.php

 

[ccscott49]

I normally tin the wee wires with solder first, then use tiny "choccy block connectors", making sure the screws hold them secure. Works fo me but only indoors. Outdoors do exactly the same, but inside a wee waterproof box from index marine.

 

[cliff]

Connectors
Matrix board
Strip board

Mount the connectors on a piece of matrix board or strip board and away you go. Connectors can be jined to suit howmany wires you want to connect. Mount a second row of connectors behind the first row and you have a multiway connector block suitable for small cables
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Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity

 

[rogerdog]

Would use simerlar to method stated by Cliff above - but would tend to solder the wires to board on connection pins, followed by a blob of silicon (non acetic stuff) to support cable and prevent flexing at solder joint.

Pop lot into waterproof enclosure (with board attached to box and strain relief on cables as they enter /leave enclosure and should last as long as wanted.

Or if convinced you will never want to open box again /alter wireing - pot the lot in epoxy compound.

 

[seumask]

I use these and buy them in packs of 100 connectors much better value than those above

http://uk.farnell.com/1211045/connectors/product.us0?sku=3m-uy2

 

[Evadne]

If you are going to use chocolate block it is a lot more secure to crimp a bootlace ferrule onto the end of the wire. You can also crimp more than one wire into a ferrule. And a well made crimp joint is usually considered more vibration and fatigue resistant than a soldered one.