Earlier than PCBs, wiring digital circuits was a serious problem in electronics manufacturing. A talented particular person may make lovely wire connections between terminal strips and elements with a soldering iron, however it was labor-intensive and costly. One reply that was very fashionable was wire wrapping, and [Sawdust & Circuits] reveals off an old school wire wrap gun within the video under.
The thought was to make use of a spinning device to tightly wrap strong wire on sq. pins. A correct wrap was a steady various to soldering. It required much less ability, no warmth, and was simple to unwrap (utilizing a distinct device) if you happen to modified your thoughts. The tech began out as wiring phone switchboards however shortly unfold.
Not all instruments had been weapons or electrical. Some used a mechanical deal with, and others had been like pencils — you merely rotated them by hand. You would specify ranges for sockets and terminals to get a sure pin size. A 3-level pin may settle for three wire wrap connections on a single pin, for instance. There have been additionally automated machines that might mass-produce wire-wrapped circuits.
The wire typically had skinny insulation, and instruments often had a slot made to strip the insulation on the tiny wires. Some weapons created a “modified wrap” that left insulation on the prime one or two wraps to alleviate stress on the wire because it exited the submit. If you will discover the proper instruments, wires, and sockets, that is nonetheless a viable solution to make circuits.
Wish to know extra about wire wrapping? Ask [Bil Herd].
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