How to Fit Microdot-Compatible Connectors

Microdot-compatible connectors are widely used for sensors, test equipment and compact RF / instrumentation setups. This guide covers how to prepare the cable and fit:

• 12-32 Microdot-compatible connectors
• 10-32 plug (RG316)
• 10-32 jack (RG316)
• 10-32 plug (RG178)

Tools You’ll Need

Other Required Tools

• Common wire strippers (many have small crimp points on the end which can work well on the small pins, especially on RG178-sized connectors)
• A sharp box cutter or scalpel (for cable preparation)
• Optional: soldering iron and a tiny amount of solder, if you prefer to solder the inner pin
• Heatshrink tubing and a heat gun for strain relief and a professional finish

Crimp tools with the following die sizes are used in this guide:

• 0.042″ crimp position – for the inner pin
• 0.128″ crimp position – for the ferrule on RG316 connectors
• 0.100″ (2.5 mm) crimp position – for the ferrule on RG178 connectors (e.g. HT-336G or similar)