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From: tonjon@fluke.UUCP (Tony Johnson)
Newsgroups: net.analog
Subject: Re: "Just Wrap"
Message-ID: <405@vax2.fluke.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 26-Feb-85 16:39:36 EST
Article-I.D.: vax2.405
Posted: Tue Feb 26 16:39:36 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 1-Mar-85 05:36:48 EST
References: <195@ihlpg.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc., Everett, WA
Lines: 50

> Does anybody have experience with a wire-wrapping tool called "Just Wrap?"
> It's a hand tool with a wire-wrap bit on one end and a spool of 30 AWG wire
> on the other. Supposedly, it lets you wire-wrap without cutting,  stripping
> or inserting the wire in the end.  That would be nice, but is it really
> easy to use, and does it make good circuits?
> 
> I've been using pre-cut wrapping wire from Digi-key, which is expensive,
> but a real work-saver.  However, it would be nice just to use bulk wire
> without all that cutting and stripping.
> /_\_
> 
> 				Bob Fishell
> 				ihnp4!ihlpg!fish

	I've used 'just wrap' for TTL projects I've made.  You can use
	standard Kynar wire with the tool.  The trick is that you have to
	use the square post sockets as the corners of the pins provide the
	needed edge to break the wire insulation as you wrap.  This means
	you have to resort to putting everything into sockets (even discrete
	components) or using some other method of connecting stuff that you
	can't get into wire wrap sockets (soldering or using regular wire
	wrap).  
		My (minimal) experience has been positive for digital stuff.
	The neat thing about just wrap is that it allows you to 'daisy chain'
	pins together without having to cut a new piece of wire.  So if you
	have a bunch of inputs that go to ground, you can tie them all low in
	short order with a single wire...a real time saver.  I don't have any 
	idea how it is for analog circuitry (I wire-to-wire solder my analog 
	projects). 
		You can get 'just wrap' kits from most of the mail order
	suppliers (Digi-Key, Jameco, etc.). 
		Another similar interconnect technology is marketed by Robinson-
	Nugent.  They have boards with holes for dip ICs on one side and little
	two-tine 'forks' on the other.  You take Kynar and push it down between
	the blade of the the forks which cut through the insulation to make
	contact with the wire.  Like just wrap, this system allows one to 'daisy
	chain' wire.  The time it takes to actually make a connection is a
	fraction of what it takes with any of the wrapping stuff, although I
	personally don't believe it's as reliable as traditional wire wrap or
	just wrap. It's more expensive, but you don't have to buy wire wrap 
	sockets.  We use Robinson Nugent extensively at work.  We've also had 
	wires 'pop out' if the tech didn't push them down hard enough, and it's
	a real bear to try and find an open in the maze of wires you create.  
	The larger the project, the worse it becomes.  If your careful, you
	probably won't have too much trouble.
		Hope this will be of some help.

					Tony Johnson
					John Fluke Mfg. Co. Inc.
					Everett, WA