Microchip MPLAB ICD2 to CAN Node Cable
There's no way we're going to use a huge RJ-11 (or whatever it is) jack on the CAN nodes. So we chose a small 1.25mm Molex/GC Waldom SMT connector (Manf. 53398-0590, Digikey WM1767-ND). The PCB connector is great, but the cable connector is impossible to make since the little metal contacts are impossibly small. For future board revisions, we'll probably move to a standard SMT 2mm header connector so we can just use a press on connector. In the mean time, we'll make itsy-bitsy connections with these things.
Connection from the ICD2 to the PIC:
- No Connect (NC)
- RB6 (PGC)
- RB7 (PGD)
- Ground
- Vdd
- MCLR* (Vpp)
Here are some pictures for reference:
Connector on the MPLAB ICD2
ICD2 to CAN Node Cable
6wire RJ11 (or whatever) connector
Molex Cable Connector
Molex PCB Connector
Construction notes:
- We used about 2' of cable - might want to do shorter (seems long compared to MPLAB ICD2 "native" cable).
- Clip the long tines on the metal connects to the same height as the shorter tines.
- Use very, very little solder.
- Tape the wire to the long metal bar holding the contacts to keep it positioned properly (or hold it with your thumb).
- Use short pieces of 1/16" shrink tubing for each connect near the connector.
- Use a long piece of 1/4" (?) shrink tubing around the cord, wires, and all the way to the connector.
- Don't bother with hot glue or silicon - it just lifts off the connector and ends up doing no good.