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bally sound board connector replacement
- Thread starter stevebm1
- Start date
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2011
- Messages
- 2,508
0.156" molex IDC
As Andy said, 0.156" IDC Molex. But...
If you're going to replace it don't use another IDC (short for Insulation Displacement Connector). IDC was created to speed up the manufacturing process because the wires don't have to be stripped, they just have to push in with a special tool or jig. The connector has little slits that cut through the the plastic covering of the cable and bite into the metal core to make an electrical connector. They are particularly prone to failure due to vibration. So not the best choice for the average environment in a pinball machine. Also, to the best of my knowledge they only connect with the header pins on the board by touching just one side.
A much better option, in my humble opinion
, is to replace with Molex Trifurcon connectors. These have to be crimped or soldered on to the wires, so they need to be stripped and prepared first but the advantages are that they are less prone to vibration and make an electrical connection on three sides of the header pins. Much better for power connections. I'm sure the single-sided connectors, either crimp or IDC, aren't sufficiently rated for the current requirements on some lighting circuits.
Cue violent IDC vs. Trifurcon flame war!
If you're going to replace it don't use another IDC (short for Insulation Displacement Connector). IDC was created to speed up the manufacturing process because the wires don't have to be stripped, they just have to push in with a special tool or jig. The connector has little slits that cut through the the plastic covering of the cable and bite into the metal core to make an electrical connector. They are particularly prone to failure due to vibration. So not the best choice for the average environment in a pinball machine. Also, to the best of my knowledge they only connect with the header pins on the board by touching just one side.
A much better option, in my humble opinion
, is to replace with Molex Trifurcon connectors. These have to be crimped or soldered on to the wires, so they need to be stripped and prepared first but the advantages are that they are less prone to vibration and make an electrical connection on three sides of the header pins. Much better for power connections. I'm sure the single-sided connectors, either crimp or IDC, aren't sufficiently rated for the current requirements on some lighting circuits. Cue violent IDC vs. Trifurcon flame war!