MikoKensington
Well-known member
So how does one put this together? I know I'm missing the obvious. Someone turn on the light. Please.
IDC cable assembly.
- Thread starter MikoKensington
- Start date
Help Support GroupDIY Audio Forum:
Seedysea
Well-known member
To do this correctly, if it is an idc connector, requires a special tool. Cable manufacturers use bench presses with dies and jaws made for the type of ribbon cable and connector. Very expensive.
There are hand tools made for these but they are ridiculously expensive. A satisfactory result can be obtained on a bench using something as simple as a 'T'-type tool, but it is a pain to do and the risk of scoring the conductors is high. Still, it can be done. The other part on top of the connector is simply a strain relief. Use is optional, but really handy if your gear is being moved about.
It is a neat looking solution, using ribbon cable and idc, but crimp is always better and easier for diy. Also, some of tis style of connector are available in an idc OR a crimp version.
There are hand tools made for these but they are ridiculously expensive. A satisfactory result can be obtained on a bench using something as simple as a 'T'-type tool, but it is a pain to do and the risk of scoring the conductors is high. Still, it can be done. The other part on top of the connector is simply a strain relief. Use is optional, but really handy if your gear is being moved about.
It is a neat looking solution, using ribbon cable and idc, but crimp is always better and easier for diy. Also, some of tis style of connector are available in an idc OR a crimp version.
CJ
Well-known member
I use a Pana Vise, you know, the gimble mounted thingy for electronics geeks, it has nylon jaws. snap the connector on finger tight, check alignment, slip it into the vise without it coming apart, torque it up to 500 ft pounds and you be done bi-atch! :razz:
martthie_08
Well-known member
I just assembled one of Joe's kits a couple of days ago, you don't need any special tools. It took me a couple of minutes to find this out, but basically all you do is put the ribbon cable onto the receiving connector, which has these "sharp teeth" on it, and then press it down with the bracket that goes over the ribbon cable. You will actually need a pincer for bringing the bracket down. What happens is that the sharp teeth cut into the ribbon cable and this way the connection is made, no soldering, no crimp tool, easy.
chrissugar
Well-known member
[quote author="martthie_08"]basically all you do is put the ribbon cable onto the receiving connector, which has these "sharp teeth" on it, and then press it down with the bracket that goes over the ribbon cable.
[/quote]
I done this 15 years ago with a 50 pin SCSI internal cable and connector, and it worked. :grin:
chrissugar
[/quote]
I done this 15 years ago with a 50 pin SCSI internal cable and connector, and it worked. :grin:
chrissugar
