Better edge connector suggestions?

cpyne

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Can anyone suggest a model of edge connector that is less prone to wires snapping? Any other suggestions?
 

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If you want to go the molex connector route, then watch John's video below where he completely replaced the edge connector for a Pac-Man.

 
we got those replacements for Pac-Man from APAR last year, none of the pins would actually snap in place though so plugging it into the Ms. Pac board was a little nightmarish. maybe my crimpers smashed the locks though, not sure.
 
That is what is generally out there. You might want to adjust your methods. Downsize your wire, use less solder and more heat shrink.
I agree, this isn't a connector issue, it's a workmanship issue. Those are supposed to be heat shrunk around to reduce stress.

If the wire/solder are breaking off the connection clean, you either have:
1. Too small of an iron wattage wise (you have to heat the wire and the tab, then melt solder)
2. The wrong solder (wrong flux / no flux) to clean the connection.
3. Some contamination on the connections interfering with the solder bond.
 
No problems with the solder staying stuck. It's hard to see in the pic, but the yellow wire is soldered to a tab that cracked and broke off from the connector. This worked fine for a couple years but flexing the wires anytime I unplugged the board eventually causes the solder tabs to snap.

Unfortunately I did forget the shrink wrap insulation on this one. Classic problem of remembering AFTER you solder. Never again!
 
The solder wicked up into the sheath. This allowed the wire to become brittle and break.
 
How many times have you removed that connector? They were not designed for a JAMMA test rig.
 
That should tell you something about the quality of the metal in the terminals.

But they were never meant to be plugged/ unplugged repeatedly. If you're using it in that way you should add a sacrificial fingerboard adapter to your connection. Leave the fingerboard plugged into the harness always and plug/unplug the PCB at the other side of the finger board adapter.

Also….NEVER pull on wires to unplug something. Always grab the plastic housing or molded plug instead.

Edit: fixed a typo.
 
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Another option for harnesses often forgotten is to cable tie groupings of the leads together to spread any strain across multiple tabs

Old connectors also used to add a brass bar across the back (bent at right angles at the ends and tapped to take nuts) which fastened to the connector mounting holes and then the harness is cable tied to that. This added more strain relief or these days like suggested by @parism you could get or make a 3D printed cover.
 
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