Calling on Dokert and Timberterror's magic

[NotreCaine]

Recently, it appears that there is a need for a Q*bert harness. I understand the edge connector (60) is the big issue. I was wondering if Dave and Barry would look into the possibility of making one. Maybe it's worth it, maybe it's not. Especially if the 6-1 pcb, is going to be built again, I'm sure the interest is here. I know I'd like one!


I also understand that both of you guys are busy. Especially with the current harness you guys are finishing. Just thought I'd throw this out there for discussion. Maybe for down the road.

Thoughts?

 

[ELutz]

Recently, it appears that there is a need for a Q*bert harness. I understand the edge connector (60) is the big issue. I was wondering if Dave and Barry would look into the possibility of making one. Maybe it's worth it, maybe it's not. Especially if the 6-1 pcb, is going to be built again, I'm sure the interest is here. I know I'd like one!


I also understand that both of you guys are busy. Especially with the current harness you guys are finishing. Just thought I'd throw this out there for discussion. Maybe for down the road.

Thoughts?

The egde connector will be the deal breaker (and it's associated pins). It'll probably take an order of $25K plus before Amp would pull out the tooling/molds and make more.

Edward

 

[NotreCaine]

It'll probably take an order of $25K plus before Amp would pull out the tooling/molds and make more.

Edward

I was afraid of that. But it cant hurt to ask around here! A lot of resourceful, Joe's, on this forum.

 

[timberterror]

I know we looked at a gottlieb harness but I can't remember which one. It didn't look like much fun to build. I think Dokert found a source for the edge connector but the pins were crazy expensive if I remember right. The wire may be more expensive as well since I think most of it was white with 2 colored stripes. I doubt it would be made, but you never know. - Barry

 

[jj mann]

Everyone in this thread gets karma points! This would be a awesome project to see.

JJ

 

[NotreCaine]

I know we looked at a gottlieb harness but I can't remember which one. It didn't look like much fun to build. I think Dokert found a source for the edge connector but the pins were crazy expensive if I remember right. The wire may be more expensive as well since I think most of it was white with 2 colored stripes. I doubt it would be made, but you never know. - Barry

Well, at least you've already looked into it. Maybe is better than nothing, at the moment.

Everyone in this thread gets karma points! This would be a awesome project to see.

JJ

JJ the IV is the real karma here!

 

[RetroHacker]

Recently, it appears that there is a need for a Q*bert harness. I understand the edge connector (60) is the big issue.
Thoughts?

Can't you just take an 8-liner connector (72 pin) and block off some of the pins by gluing in a scrap of circuit board?

-Ian

 

[kstillin]

Can't you just take an 8-liner connector (72 pin) and block off some of the pins by gluing in a scrap of circuit board?

-Ian

I like the way you think.

Also- anybody that is overly concerned about matching the original wire colors is a puss purist..

 

[Fudd]

i guess the demand is just too much...the one i just bought in another thread for a 2 piece qbert harness for the huge price of $2.99 is now gone. ebay seller states his roommate thru it in the trash on accident and the trash came today....OR more likely somebody messaged him and gave him more cash for it........gah

 

[NotreCaine]

I think Dokert found a source for the edge connector but the pins were crazy expensive if I remember right.

This seems to be the bigger issue, Ian

Can't you just take an 8-liner connector (72 pin) and block off some of the pins by gluing in a scrap of circuit board? Ian

I have heard of this before, Ian. I just didnt know if it was a one and done fix or suitable for mass production. It's definitely worth a shot.

i guess the demand is just too much...the one i just bought in another thread for a 2 piece qbert harness for the huge price of $2.99 is now gone. ebay seller states his roommate thru it in the trash on accident and the trash came today....OR more likely somebody messaged him and gave him more cash for it........gah

Complete and utter bullshit. I looked at all the completed listings, after I read your other thread, Fudd. I saw all those low prices and knew it would take a stand up seller to actually deliever them to you. I feel for ya bro.

 

[timberterror]

I like the way you think.

Also- anybody that is overly concerned about matching the original wire colors is a puss purist..

If I were to build my own personal harness colors are no big deal. For anything I sell it needs to be original colors where possible. It makes sense to match the schematics for ease of building and troubleshooting. - Barry

 

[Dokert]

Most of the Gottlieb games from that era use a 30/60 edge connector. I have found a source for the edge connector at roughly $2 + shipping. The pins on the other hand, are currently only available in gold at $0.98 ea in bulk quantities.

There is more than enough interest for us to make these, but it is not cost effective right now. We are looking into alternate solutions, but have not found the solution yet.

Cutting down a 36/72 is NOT a viable solution.

Color matching the wires has nothing to do with being a "purist", it has everything to do with being able to troubleshoot using the scat.
Dok

 

[NotreCaine]

Most of the Gottlieb games from that era use a 30/60 edge connector. I have found a source for the edge connector at roughly $2 + shipping. The pins on the other hand, are currently only available in gold at $0.98 ea in bulk quantities.

There is more than enough interest for us to make these, but it is not cost effective right now. We are looking into alternate solutions, but have not found the solution yet.

Cutting down a 36/72 is NOT a viable solution.

Color matching the wires has nothing to do with being a "purist", it has everything to do with being able to troubleshoot using the scat.
Dok

Thanks, Dave, for the info. Hopefully, we can find an alternate solution. At least there is the interest!

 

[2600]

Cutting down a 36/72 is NOT a viable solution.

I don't think they were talking about cutting it down. Just using a 36/72 and a polarizing key. I don't know how secure it is, but it sounds like it is at least worth trying.

 

[RetroHacker]

I don't think they were talking about cutting it down. Just using a 36/72 and a polarizing key. I don't know how secure it is, but it sounds like it is at least worth trying.

Exactly - you don't cut it down, because when you cut the connector shorter, the open end makes it too easy to misalign the connector on the edge of the board. Also, you lose some of the structure with one end open - making that end more liable to create a bad connection. Similarly, if you cut it in the middle and take out a few pin positions and glue it back together, it becomes pretty easy to get it out of whack, and it's a lot of work.

But if you just cut a piece of circuit board (like fingerboard material) to the right length, and epoxy it into the end of the connector to take up space, you can make it pretty solid once it dries. I'm pretty sure you'll have to trim the connector on that end a bit (maybe just the "ear") - so it clears the edge of the PCB, but it's definitely doable.

Of course, the problems with doing this if you're "producing" harnesses is that A) it looks ugly, and 2), it's a lot more work than using the right connector.

But, nonetheless, I've done this on various occasions when I needed an unavailable edge connector (most not arcade related, but still), and it does work, and makes for something solid and reliable.

-Ian

 

[2600]

I haven't tried that, but don't quite understand the need to cut and epoxy a circuit board in there.

I thought you just meant to use this.

http://www.therealbobroberts.net/key.jpg

 

[Dokert]

A 36/72 will not fit without modifying either the connector or the game board. Have already looked at that option.

 

[Riptor]

You have to cut the connector so it will fit down in the board. A cut down connector works just fine, you just have to be careful when you install it so the pins line up. I wouldnt build a new harness with a cut down connector but for repair work it will get you by.
I have been looking for these edge connectors for well over 3 years now and no luck.
Is the demand there for a new harness? Absolutely!! I get around 3-5 PM's a week asking if I have a qbert harness for sale. I got two just last night.

 

[RetroHacker]

You have to cut the connector so it will fit down in the board. A cut down connector works just fine, you just have to be careful when you install it so the pins line up.

Which is why you glue a block of scrap circuit board (or other plastic) into the connector before you cut it.

I wouldnt build a new harness with a cut down connector but for repair work it will get you by.

This is true. The cut down connector is ugly, and it's hardly a "professional" product. But, if there isn't an available alternative, it's functional. Which is worse - a game that can never work because there is no harness, or a harness with a cut down connector? If people are happy with an ugly hacked connector, then it might be an option.

-Ian

 

[Dokert]

There is a BIG difference from making a repair to selling a good quality connector.