Small JST Connectors

Courtesy of RCG user jj604, here's a nice thread that clears up some of the confusion around small JST connectors.  Here's an extract, but lots of interesting details at the link so check it out!

• JST-XH is 2.5mm pin spacing (same as 0.1inch for all practical purposes)
  Not micro size but very common. Used in most balance plugs on LiPos and is the "standard" header spacing in many electronic components including PCs. The standard Futaba/JR style servo plugs are this spacing.
• JST- ZH is 1.5mm pin spacing
  Used in the Spektrum AR 6300 system and a compatible DSM2 Rx from DelTang (DelTangs are available with all 3 connectors).
• Molex PicoBlade is 1.25mm pin spacing.
  Used in Futaba, FlyDream, Walkera and the new Hobby King Micro (DSM2) 2.4G systems. The HobbyKing 1.7 and 2.2g Servos have this connector. The 2 pin version is used on the PZ bricks as a battery connector.
• JST-SH is 1.0mm pin spacing.
  Used for servo connection in Spektrum AR6400 "Brick" and the HobbyKing SuperMicro (not DSM2) systems. Most linear servos have this connector.

Connector Mania: JST-RCY

J.S.T. Mfg. Co., Ltd.:
 
This is the connector that comes on small Turnigy batteries.  Need to see if their discharge rates correspond to the specs below.

Note: many people mistake the gender of the connectors.  The "real" gender is determined by the metal part.  The big square plastic part that many people call the female actually contains the two male connectors.

Current rating: MAX 3A, Voltage rating MAX 250V

"The RCY connector is a compact, 2.5mm pitch wire-to-wire connector for use with a variety of circuits, from signal circuits to power supply circuits, in electrical equipment which is becoming more and more compact. The employment of a free spring contact method ensures stable contact performance, and superb working efficiency of insertion and removal."

PDF Specs

Crimping Connectors

Deluxe Crimping Tool:

Chris Hansen has written the most amazing guide to crimping, servo connectors, and JST connectors I've seen. He's like the Beethoven of crimping and connectors!

The link above points to his really excellent crimping tool.  Crimp kits (what I've bought... be sure and get a wire stripper if you don't have one for the tiny gauge wire) are here.

He's got a splendid guide, A Brief Discourse on Connector Antics (pdf). I wish there were this level of detail on everything in RC land!

"This is the best crimping tool we've ever used for making servo connectors. The ratcheting hinge lets you lock in the terminal first, then insert the wire. This tool gives you a lot of leverage so every crimp is extremely strong, but is comfortable and easy on the hands even after a lot of use. If you're going to be making a lot of connectors then this tool is well worth the investment - take a look at the comments below. Tools of this quality usually cost over a hundred dollars."