Wire wrapping

From: Dwight K. Elvey <dwightk.elvey_at_amd.com>
Date: Fri Dec 6 17:29:01 2002

>From: "Jeffrey H. Ingber" <jingber_at_ix.netcom.com>
>
>Not strictly classiccmp related, but applies to a repair I'm trying
>perform on a "classic" machine. I purchased a wire-wrap tool from
>DigiKey (PN# K104-ND) and a spool of the proper wire. Unfortunately,
>I've never done wire wrap, and it's not obvious how this tool is used.
>Does anyone have any good resources that explains wire wrapping?
>
>For reference, the tool looks like a scredriver, but has two hollow
>ends, one of which has a long slit running down the side.
>
>Thanks,
>Jeff
>
Hi Jeff
 This is a manual tool and takes a little practice.
You need to first start by stripping about .75 to 1 inch of
insulation from the end of the wire. There is a built
in stripper. Look at the spring steel part in the center
of the tool. It has a slit in it that you slide the
wire in and then pull the wire from the other side.
 Now that you have the end, thread the wire from the
end, under the small sleeve and along the groove at the
side of the shaft. It doesn't have to stay in the groove
but make sure it doesn't get kinked or bent badly.
 Slide the tool and wire over a wire wrap post. Place
your index finger at the unwrapper end and twizzle the
tool clockwise. This is the tricky part. You need to
put enough pressure with your index finger so that
there are no opening between wraps but not too much
or you'll get overlapped wraps. I also find that the
first turn of the tool should have no pressure until
the wire has one start wrap. You will also find
that you won't be able to twizzle it to completion
as one motion. You need to make sure that it doesn't
back rotate as you go for another grab with your
fingers ( this is where another hand comes in handy ).
 If you get an opening between wraps, don't think you
can just squeeze it down to until it looks OK. This
make a loose wrap that will have poor electrical connection.
Overlapped wraps should be redone as well.
 Now, go and practice. You'll get the hang of it soon
enough.
Dwight
Received on Fri Dec 06 2002 - 17:29:01 GMT