Wire Wrap connections for point to point

[mashaffer]

Is wire wrapping a viable connection technique for p-p wired tube amps? Are power wrapping tools required/recommended for this application? Any special considerations?

mike

[anatech]

Hi Mike,
No, don't do it unless you are talking about the 20 ~22 ga solid wire types. Kynar (sp?) does not have enough dielectric strength in it's insulation. It may also lose contact after a little while (poor connection). Lastly, it's very tiny. Current for heaters would be a no flyer.

-Chris

[fortitudine]

Hey, wire wrap works very well. Marantz used to build all of their gear this way (early 70s and 60s, I think). Connections are gas-tight and will *never* come loose when properly done. Its hardly ever seen because its a one-off. But good for us hobbyists.

[Geek]

Hi,

They shouldn't be used. They are spikey and HV + sharp points = ozone, dust attraction and eventual arcing.

I've had to silicone up quite a few TV's and test equipment that had pointed or wire wrap connectors (B+K test gear was horrible for this).

Cheers!

[anatech]

Hi fortitudine,

Marantz used to build all of their gear this way (early 70s and 60s, I think)

Yeah. And the wires break off often during servicing. Also note that ....

No, don't do it unless you are talking about the 20 ~22 ga solid wire types.

They will last for years if left undisturbed.

-Chris

[Nanook]

yup, pretty much.

In university we had to make electronics using this method. If worried about the connections, just sloder them as well

[kevinkr]

Originally posted by Nanook
yup, pretty much.

In university we had to make electronics using this method. If worried about the connections, just sloder them as well

I used wirewrap extensively in the old days for digital projects, and even at low speeds and impedances had serious cross-talk issues.

I was an accomplished wire wrapper, but even so felt compelled to solder them as well much of the time.

Gas tight if perfectly wrapped, but many connections corroded to death by the seaside where I have resided for nearly the last 10yrs or so.

Kynar wire is not generally rated for very high voltages.

I have worked on some early solid state Marantz with wire wrap and it is all to easy to break a wire and sometimes not even know it.

[thevoice]

I had a very nice sounding Sherwood receiver a few years ago that used this technique. It ended up getting thrown out because of the hundreds of corroded connections, many of which weren't accessible to a soldering iron.

I don't think I'd recommend it.

[mashaffer]

Majority appears con so I will stick to tradition. I appreciate the guidance.

mike

[anatech]

Hi Mike,
Smart Lad!