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Replacing board connectors

cr5000462

cr5000462

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Apr 25, 2020
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Wrexham
Ive seen it done a few ways, but is there a "prefered" option? im talking about the female connectors that go onto the board pins,
as you can see from the photos below, the old and new are different, Which way would you recommend?

Screenshot 2020-05-24 at 12.30.18.png
 
Trifurcon molex is a better connection than IDC but tbh both are fine. It depends more on the tools you have or want to buy (crimp tool or IDC pusher) 👍 if I didn't have either tool then I'd buy a crimper first.
 
If you’re repinning a whole connector - do it properly and go Molex.

If you’re just redoing a wire or two - use whatever is already there.

IDC was done for cost and speed reasons, not reliability. Molex is better in every way except cost and speed (on an industrial scale at least)
 
Thanks,
What's the correct size idc tool? Also the technical name/size for the connectors that fit on our machines?

It's shopping time :confused:
 
www.pinball.co.uk

Molex IDC tool (0.156") - Pinball Heaven

Excellent hand tool to replace connectors quickly and correctly. This is one of those tools that should last for years and years and still be perfect for your grandkids to use!
www.pinball.co.uk www.pinball.co.uk

www.pinball.co.uk

Connector, 11 pin, male 0.156 inch - Pinball Heaven

Male header connector for most pinball machines but typically GI (General Illumination) plugs that burn out.
www.pinball.co.uk www.pinball.co.uk

www.pinball.co.uk

12 Pin connector, 0.156 inch, female (GI circuits J115) - Pinball Heaven

12 Pin connector, 0.156”, female (GI circuits) Look in the TOOLS section for the Molex insersion tool for use with this connector.
www.pinball.co.uk www.pinball.co.uk

Oh - and a good solder sucker! Clean board with IPA to get all the crud off.
 
Is 0.156 a standard size for pinball machines? So in theory a whole machine could be redone with different size (in terms of number of pins) connectors
 
cr5000462 said:
Is 0.156 a standard size for pinball machines? So in theory a whole machine could be redone with different size (in terms of number of pins) connectors
Click to expand...

You tend to find both "large" 0.156" and "small" 0.1" (10/inch), if you go the crimp route (my preference) this tool does both (and also in-line wire to wire plugs);

pinparts.co.uk

HT-225D Crimp Tool for Molex Crimp Pins AWG 18-22 / 24-30 0.156" and 0.1"

HT-225D Crimp Tool for Molex Crimp Pins AWG 18-22 / 24-30
pinparts.co.uk


 
It is very rare you have to use the smaller ones in my experience. On most machines I have to get out the 0.156 tool....

Those crimpers of Andy's seem to be out of stock as well. I do need to get some as the 0.1 pitch for some other non pinball projects so will use crimps in keeping with the original wiring.

Ebay to the rescue.

www.ebay.co.uk

RT19308 HT-225D Crimp Tool Ratchet 30-18Awg | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for RT19308 HT-225D Crimp Tool Ratchet 30-18Awg at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!
www.ebay.co.uk
 
Thank you,
I think I will go for the original method

So it's just buy the 0.156 tool.
Buy connectors to suit. Either 0.156 or the smaller 0.1 pitch connectors.
Punch the wires into the new connector,
Bobs your uncle it's done.

And to clarify on the new route, it's crimp the connector using the crimping tool, insert into the plastic housing, plug in and away we go.

I'm trying to keep this simple until I get the hang of it
 
cr5000462 said:
That would be for the new way?
Click to expand...
Ideally, you use a polarising pin for both approaches (and sizes) it's what aligns the connector housing with the missing pin on the header to avoid plugging into the wrong place. :thumbs:
 
You can always take the one polarising pin out of the old connector if you use the same type.

Personally I prefer to swap like for like. IDC on pinballs and molex crimps on arcade/jukeboxes.
 
Either way works fine, it is all about having the right tools and consumables.

I prefer Molex, but do recognise that the inferior idc connectors have worked quite happily for decades
 
I find molex a bit more robust. IDC easier and quicker to replace but you MUST have a very good tool to do it properly

I only have a cheap plasticky IDC tool
 
Am I being a girl here or are the idc connectors super hard to push in, really hurt my hands doing them, often slipping and nearly stabbing myself :rofl:

Might change to crimped
 
Here you go
 

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cr5000462 said:
Am I being a girl here or are the idc connectors super hard to push in, really hurt my hands doing them, often slipping and nearly stabbing myself :rofl:

Might change to crimped
Click to expand...

I’m having the same issue, it’s 18 gauge wire and just seems to thick, already written off my plastic idc tool.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Can crimp, can IDC.

Have a decent IDC tool (not as good as @M4carp 's) but there are times when even that is of no use and I have had to resort to the small watch mending screwdrivers...
 
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