JST XH 2-pin 3-way splitter

JST XH 2-pin 3-way splitter: I wanted to split a single fan terminal on a motherboard to control 3 fans. Commercial products exist for this but I didn't want to wait. If you do this, be aware of the current limitations.

This splitter is to expand a JST XH 2-pin terminal from a single connection to 3 connections. 

Supplies and parts needed to assemble:

Soldering equipment

DVOM to test your connections

1x JST XH 2-pin male connector with female terminals - this end plugs into your motherboard or circuit board that is supplying power and ground

3x JST XH 2-pin female header with male terminals

Wire - about 18 gauge, this depends on the insualation. The maximum diameter is about 1.6mm.

Test the fit between the splitter parts before final assembly. Adjust your slicer settings to achieve a good fit. Don't forget to test the JST header fit into the splitter top.

Insert the 3 headers into the splitter top, bare pins pointing down, they should all face the same direction.

Run the wires through the holes of the splitter bottom if you already have a male connector with female terminals crimped onto your wires that will plug into the motherboard.

Strip the positive and negative wire about 19mm. Note: the picture does not show the wires stripped. Lay the exposed wire along 3 legs on one side of the headers. Check the orientation, you may have to rotate the top after soldering and you want avoid twisting the wire. Solder the wire to the legs. Do this for the other side with the other wire. Crimp your single male connector with female pins if needed. You may use an epoxy coating on the bare soldered wires to provide insulation.

Use your DVOM to test your work. Visually verify your positive and negative wires are oriented correctly. Verify the headers are all facing the same direction. If one is rotated 180 degrees from the others then your positive and negative will be backwards for at least 1 component and may cause damage to your motherboard.

Move the wires through the holes in the splitter bottom and push the top and bottom together. There should be a snug fit. Test again with your DVOM.