How do I tell the difference between JST and Molex Picoblade?

Hi Chris,

You can measure the distance across multiple pins, and divide, to confirm if the pitch is 1mm or 1.25mm.

Hi Chris,

Maybe this page could give some useful info: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?1493712-JST-connector-confusion-the-real-story

Best Regards,

Rachael

Thanks, but it's not the measurements I am confused about.  I have hand-held digital calipers but getting an accurate measurement out of those using eyes only is almost impossible (the difference between 1mm and 1.25mm isn't visible to the naked eye).

Thanks - "digitalformula" on there is me asking the same questions there.  That thread has actually confused the issue even more.

Hi Chris,

If not by measurement, then you really can only visually compare, and there is a photo in the link Rachael provided. The differences can be seen, some proportions of the plastic features and marking are different - subtle, but they are visually different. I can't see what other type of solution you could be looking for if not measurement or visual comparison, could you clarify? If you wish to just visually compare then it could be worthwhile to keep one JST 'SH' and one Molex PicoBlade handy to visually inspect if it is not clear from photos on the Internet.

The pitch is a very clear distinguishing feature between the two, and if there are more than two pins in your connector, then you don't need to measure the distance between two pins, you can measure the distance between more than two pins and then divide. Then it is very easy to distinguish between 1mm and 1.25mm.

Even if there are just two pins, a standard steel rule is enough to distinguish between 1mm and 1.25mm, even without calipers. I use a steel ruler with very fine markings - some have 0.5mm markings too, and it is not difficult to distinguish 0.25mm by eye with a good steel ruler, but a magnifier could be used as well if needed. With digital calipers it should be very straightforward provided the pin thickness is taken into account (this should be in the part datasheet), but a ruler is sufficient at this pitch. If you have digital calipers you could measure the entire body of the connector and compare with the connector datasheet.

Hello,

   I know this is late but to answer part of your question JST whose factory i visited a few years ago told me 2 things, 1) they do not mnf a sh connector in 1.25mm only 1mm. 2) the connectors used on the cameras are leaded parts thus only the picoblade connector line in 1.25mm has leaded connectors thus better strength. One last statement from one engineer which i thought was kind of crazy was that most resellers & engineers say that if its a white connector like what jst makes, it has to be jst but in reality it is also possible that it is a molex connector. Here in the states jst is far cheaper then molex so i just always get my molex parts from china. I buy they throw then in small padded envelop and i get them in 7 days to 10 days. Plus no duty as they are of sample quantity. Anyway things may have changed since my last trip to china but 99% of mnfs use standard available parts. Not bult to their print ones. For ic''s they just grind off the pn.   Good luck... Baggs69

Hi Chris, it's been 6 years. But I hope these 3 easy ways to distinguish JST SH and molex PicoBlade will help others like you.