So I have a really basic question; I just got a few XPR 4550's that came with rear connector kits (PMLN5072A) to build your own programming cable. Of course I have an extra USB cable to sacrifice, I'm just curious if it's best to solder the pins to the appropriate wires, or should I try to crimp them with small pliers?
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MotoTrbo rear accessory connector kit
- Thread starter natedawg1604
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- Dec 5, 2020
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- 357
Definitely a subjective question. Old answer is solder, new school is crimp, and overkill is crimp and solder. There is pros and cons to each. Probably can’t go wrong provided you do your part in making sure the job is done properly. With that being said you can buy programming cables for the 4550 for very cheap off eBay if you don’t have great faith in your ability to crimp or solder. Probably not a dangerous task if something isn’t making great contact; I don’t think you’d brick anything. Just make sure you got the right pins in the right spot and you’ll be golden.
Full disclosure, I bought mine, because whenever I try to solder it looks like I used a nail and cigarette.
N4KVE
Member
My friend made me a programming cable with the acc plug, & an old printer cable. He crimped the wires to the pins. I get home, & I can’t read the radio. So now I had to drive back to him where he tells me he crimped the wire to the pin. I screamed bloody murder, & insisted he solder them together. He did, & the cable has worked fine for 4 years. By the way, I NEVER crimp ANYTHING. Even when I have to connect a wire to an eyelet, I’ll crimp it, but then solder the end of the wire to the metal ring part of the eyelet to insure a proper connection. When 2 wires need to be permanently connected, I only solder them. Anything else is asking for trouble, as was proven to me.
So I ended up crimping the connectors with small pliers, it was kind of a pain because they are so small. But I had a lot of extras so it worked out fine. I think I need to get myself some kinda small vice kit with a magnifying glass.
I was actually out of solder, I will be ordering more today.
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