JST connectors? They're fairly common in all sorts of electronics.
this post was submitted on 27 Apr 2024
26 points (96.4% liked)
homeassistant
12066 readers
5 users here now
Home Assistant is open source home automation that puts local control and privacy first. Powered by a worldwide community of tinkerers and DIY enthusiasts. Perfect to run on a Raspberry Pi or a local server. Available for free at home-assistant.io
founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
This seems like it. Thank you.
Do you think the JST SM connectors are the best option for this application?
Hmm. They're dirt cheap so that is a pro. I don't think they're made to withstand mechanical load. So good for internal connections but less so if you're moving around the wires constantly. There are beefier and more elaborate connectors available for that. But in my experience the JST connectors do their job well for normal electronics projects.
One thing to consider is the current rating. A quick googling tells me a common JST connector is rated for 3 Amps. That's not a lot. About 75 LEDs per connector to stay within the limit. (Given 5V WS2812 RGB at full brightness. Or ~220 if it's 12 Volt strips) So if your led strips aren't longer than that, I'd say you're fine.
But I'm not an expert on those things. I can't tell you whether to choose the SM family or another one... But:
The Wikipedia article says JST SM connectors are used in some LED strips...
(So. I'd use them. But they're not "the best solution". They're the minimum to do an alright job, make sure you can't connect them backwards etc and apart from that, made to be as cheap as possible. The best would probably be some high quality german engineered products or sth like that (the country doesn't really matter...))
Maybe up your soldering game. A proper connection will be solid.
And know that solder shouldn't be used for structural support. Especially for anything that moves or is subject to vibration, etc.
The issue with soldering I was trying to convey is that it isn’t an ideal process to make connections “in the field”, aka in a tight corner or behind a cabinet. A proper connection is solid, but it’s not feasible to make a proper connection if you’re upside down under a cabinet or standing at the top of a ladder.
Ok then up your circus skills!
Or if you're not ready to run away and join, these solder seal heat shrink connectors are a good choice:
Molex MicroFit 3.0 are my gold standard for general purpose low voltage connectors. I buy from an electronics distributor (Digikey or Mouser) and crimp my own connectors. However, I did find a listing on Amazon for pre-crimped jumper wires and connector housings.
Best part is they can handle 5+ amps. (I also like them)
There are inline screw terminal connectors. A quick Google of ch2 and ch3 connector will give you an idea.
I think the JST and Molex recommendations are on point, in case you're after another option I use Tamiya connectors for 12v car chargers
This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!
There are screw together butt connectors, in my experience have a more solid connection than the crimp style as far as pullout is concerned. https://www.posi-products.com/index.html
There are 3 pin XT30 connectors, and those can handle a lot of current as they're used in drones. They won't come off easily as well.