Prototyping wire

Using Arduino General Electronics
1

I find using the excess lengths (cut off) of resistor leads good for prototyping.

I would like to buy a spool of equivalent uninsulated wire.

Has anyone come across a place that sells something like that?

2

Any insulated jumper wire will do and is easy to find lying around. Reels of tinned copper wire should be available from most hobby suppliers.

Weedpharma

3
4

Grumpy_Mike:
http://uk.farnell.com/pro-power/tcw24-500g/wire-230m-solid-copper/dp/1230991

Yes, that is essentially what I am after - thanks.
Unfortunately most suppliers seem to be in UK or US, so shipping is a killer.
None of the free delivery mobs seem to have it :frowning:

I just find using insulated wire such a pain to measure, cut, strip, tin and then solder for short lengths.

5

Farnell are Newark in the U.S. There is free postage with a minimum spend that is not too much. A chance to stock up on other parts.

6

aisc:
Unfortunately most suppliers seem to be in UK or US, so shipping is a killer.

aisc, don't forget that we don't know where you are!

7

dannable:
aisc, don't forget that we don't know where you are!

South East Asia - currently in Bangkok.

8

aisc:
South East Asia - currently in Bangkok.

I'm sure I have seen wire like this in Pantip Plaza but also try
http://www.wt.co.th

I think RS also have a Thai branch.

9

Riva:
I'm sure I have seen wire like this in Pantip Plaza but also try
http://www.wt.co.th
http://www.mynpe.com/
I think RS also have a Thai branch.

Interesting, WT is actually quite near to me - I will have to pay them a visit.

I bought my insulated wire from NPE, but their web site is a problem since I cannot read Thai.
I might have to go back the shop to have a look.
Last time I went not a single person spoke English and it was a real pain trying to communicate with them.

I already checked the RS web site - they don't seem to have uninsulated wire.

10

aisc:
I already checked the RS web site - they don't seem to have uninsulated wire.

How about Farnell/Element14 http://th.element14.com/pro-power/tcw24-500g/wire-230m-solid-copper/dp/1230991?ost=1230991

11

What about Tayda Electronics.
I've ordered from them and are very cheap. I forget how much shipping was.

They are located in Bangkok as well.

Tayda Electronics
167 Soi 28 Rama 6 Road
Samsennai, Payatai
Bangkok 10400
THAILAND

Customer Service Contact # : +662-6195817 ( Monday - Friday )

12

Riva:
How about Farnell/Element14 http://th.element14.com/pro-power/tcw24-500g/wire-230m-solid-copper/dp/1230991?ost=1230991

Thanks - but way more than I need and definitely more than I want to spend on just prototyping wire.

13

Pauly:
What about Tayda Electronics.
I've ordered from them and are very cheap. I forget how much shipping was.

http://www.taydaelectronics.com/about/

They are located in Bangkok as well.

I had quick look at their web site and could only see insulated wire.

14

aisc:
I had quick look at their web site and could only see insulated wire.

Try some single core insulated and see if it strips easily. I tend to use Krone wire and you can easily strip a 60-80mm section at a time with ease. Might also be worth testing a bit of CAT-5 cable if the conductors are big enough for your needs.

15

Riva:
Might also be worth testing a bit of CAT-5 cable if the conductors are big enough for your needs.

I've been considering this.
I should have some spare CAT-5 cable - just got to go and look for it.

16

Hi,
Cat5 cable, excellent supply if you can get the solid conductor type.

Tom.... :slight_smile:

17

Well I found my left-over reel. Probably still about 50 metres on it, so multiply by 8 and I have at least 400m.
Now I have to find my Cat-5 crimping tool/stripper.

I stripped a bit off one core and wire is the perfect size.
One thing though, it is all copper - i.e. not tinned.
Will that cause an issue when soldered to tinned components?

18

aisc:
One thing though, it is all copper - i.e. not tinned.
Will that cause an issue when soldered to tinned components?

Strip it as you need it to reduce oxidation and flux should take care of the rest.

19

One thing though, it is all copper - i.e. not tinned.
Will that cause an issue when soldered to tinned components?

No the only issue will be if you leave it un-soldered and the oxides build up meaning it can't be soldered. You do it right away, lets say within a few weeks it will be fine.

20

Grumpy_Mike:
No the only issue will be if you leave it un-soldered and the oxides build up meaning it can't be soldered. You do it right away, lets say within a few weeks it will be fine.

Lol I've left it for about 10 years already...
But it is still insulated and sheathed :slight_smile:
I take it you mean do it right away after stripping - right?

Just did a quick test and soldered the ends of 2 strands I stripped yesterday - and it worked just fine.

But now I am thinking since the issue of oxidation has been mentioned, if I strip off the entire length before I use it, it will oxidise once installed which could mean an unsightly prototype - hmmm......

So I guess I might have to use it with only the ends stripped off, which would bring me back to the same procedure I use now i.e. measure, cut, strip, tin, solder.

I was using 5 assorted colour spools of 26 gauge multi-strand wire for prototyping.
Actually the wire is tinned but to prevent having stray strands, I "tin" the ends to keep them together.
FWIW I bought multi-strand because that is all the shop had.

I am starting to thinking solid core may be easier to use.

What does everyone else use?