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Question Umbilical replacement options?

RocketTurtle

New member
I've been using a timmit99 style umbilical since day one on my V0.1, and I've had recurring issues with wires breaking off at the 14 pin Molex connectors on a regular basis. I'm using good quality PTFE wire and legit branded Molex connectors and pins, and my crimps seem fine. I'm got everything needed to upgrade to a V0.2 so I'm reconsidering the umbilical idea on the upgrade. I was looking at the Picobilical, but it seems to have the exact same 14 pin Molex umbilical, so I've pretty much ruled that out. Are there newer, more reliable alternatives to the timmit99 style umbilical boards, or should I just forego any toolhead/umbilical board and just direct wire everything?
 
I bought the Picobilical after a wire on the extruder motor broke. It's been working pretty good although the wires do rub on the back of the tophat when the toolhead goes to the back of the print area. Personally I think the umbilical is easier to fix than directly wiring the components even if it breaks, because you can simply replace the connector and the wire rather than ruining a $20 motor.
 
I just posted a similar thred before seeing this.
i too have this issue but mine i think stems from the connector crimps not making contact properly with the main pcb
i might try something like a high flex 14 core cable to see if it improves the reliability
currently I'm getting 100 hours or less on each standard cable and am now on the 3rd one after 2 months of having the printer running

ive noticed that on forward / backwards movements the molex connector also move forwards / backwards as the cables do not flex so i think it deforms the crimps over time.
i have been thinking that maybe a strain relief at the main pcb (frame side) might be beneficial?
 
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