It looks easy. Put the pins in place, close the connector, voila!!!
But I can’t close the connector at all. So I try using pliers. Still really hard!!! but finally it clamps down, and the connector closes. Pick it up, and the fsr just falls out!
It’s been made clear I can’t return it now.
Has someone used this succesfully in this application? I did buy two (but that’s because I have 2 ribbons…) so I can try again.
Hi woodslanding,
Are you clipping off the pins/leads on the bottom of your FSR prior to clamping down the clincher connector? [This quick video explains it a bit but you will need to clip the two leads on your FSR down to the clear plastic, then insert and close the clincher connector.
If you still are having issues, please take a few photos of your FSR and the clincher connector and we can troubleshoot further.](SparkFun Electronics on Instagram: "Clincher connectors from Amphenol FCI provide a unique way of hooking up flex and force sensors. Simply trim off the sensor traces, insert into the Clincher connector, and squeeze tight. A fair amount of pressure will need to be applied and it's recommended to use a nice pair of pliers or a specialized crimper. SparkFun's Hot Tips are just that - our quick and scrappy work-arounds to make your project easier. Though not necessarily best practices, these shortcuts have worked well for us - embrace at your own risk! #sparkfun #hottips")
I did clip the leads. Somehow I missed the video on the product page. The video does not do a good job of showing it, but at least I realized I needed to do it.
But I’ve mangled all 4 of my amphenol connectors without getting a good connection. I got one that looked good (although the plastic part wouldn’t lock even then) but it was shorted out. It does seem, looking closely, that the terminals are slightly off center on the ribbon, so maybe that’s why.
Any other suggestions for attaching it? Now that I’ve clipped the leads I can’t use a screw terminal 
The fsr itself does still work, using alligator clips. I guess I could buy another round of connectors and keep trying, as they don’t seem to have injured the ribbon.
I used a two-pin screw terminal on my other ribbon, and it worked great. I’d certainly recommend that over the amphenol.
It is difficult to see the actual leads of the FSR from that photo. Can you try removing them from the clincher connector and take a photo of the bare leads? Like I mentioned in my reply on the other user’s topic about these same connectors, it may work to carefully solder to the leads on your FSR. You could pre-tin wire, solder it into place quickly (taking care to not leave your iron on the lead for longer than a few seconds) and then you could run the wires to screw terminals or another connector of your choice.
okay, yeah, I may try that with your encouragement. I am pretty good at soldering these days, and I think I can do it quickly enough… worst case, I’m out $20…
thanks!
You’re welcome! Pre-tinning the wires will really help out here to reduce the time you’ll have to have the iron touching the leads on the FSR. If you have some water-soluble flux like [this, that will also help the solder melt and bond quickly to the leads and wire.](Chip Quik No-Clean Flux Pen - 10mL - TOL-14579 - SparkFun Electronics)
