Williams' Ribbon Cable Connectors

[partschanger]

I have a couple of ROBOTRON and DEFENDER ROM Boards that have flaky ribbon cables. I have a Ribbon Cable Crimping tool and I want to try a new IDC end first to see if it is the fix before having to desolder the PCB end and install a complete new one. Should I go with the standard non-strain relief type connectors that were originally used or go with the improved connectors that have Strain Relief? Has anyone ever used the Strain Relief type here before?

THANKS

 

[ArcadeTechGW]

I'd vote for strain relief cables. That takes the pressure off the connection, and will make it last longer.

I figure it's only a matter of time until some of these parts become "unobtainium" so "futureproofing" this with strain reliefs may be the better option.

Do you have pictures of them?

 

[partschanger]

IDS40 Center Bump & Strain Relief: Phoenix Enterprises -PE- Connectors IC Sockets Tools Cable Wire

NUMBER OF PINS: 402X20 IDC SOCKET-RECEPTACLE.1"x.1" (2.54x2.54mm) DUAL ROW IDCFEMALE CONNECTORWITH POLARIZING CENTER BUMPWITH STRAIN RELIEFSELECTIVE GOLD PLATINGMATES WITH .100" PITCH HEADERSTERMINATES TO .050" FLAT RIBBON CABLE

www.peconnectors.com

That is a good point about futureproofing...

The strain relief type does require an extra bit of cable for the bend but I think there is enough factory length to make the connection to the CPU Board.

 

[mecha]

talk to braedel about how he does it. I've ordered his ribbon cables, they're the best I've used so far.

 

[G-P-E]

The strain relief type does require an extra bit of cable for the bend but I think there is enough factory length to make the connection to the CPU Board.

Strain relief requires 1/2" per end for a total of 1" overall. I always use strain reliefs on my cables as it relieves a bit of 'pull' from the backside of IDC plug.

I will soon be in the process of changing back to 3M IDC plugs. 3M has a pretty wide range of connectors ranging from under a buck apiece to $8 each depending on specific style. Even their low end plugs are quite good.

 

[partschanger]

I will soon be in the process of changing back to 3M IDC plugs.

Do you know if the Phoenix Enterprises brand is any good? Or is it 3M or nothing?

 

[Charles Kline]

I wouldn't mess with it, just replace the whole cable and call it done.

Arcade Williams Ribbon Cable Set used in Robotron, Joust, Defender, Bubbles etc. | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Arcade Williams Ribbon Cable Set used in Robotron, Joust, Defender, Bubbles etc. at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[partschanger]

I hear you man, but I already fixed a flaky Interface Board cable by just replacing the IDC end which is 10 times easier than desoldering 20 little pins and risking damage to the traces. That solder Williams used is some hard stuff to work with...

 

[Charles Kline]

That solder Williams used is some hard stuff to work with...

Very true. It seems to be some high melt temp stuff, add some oxidation to it and its a PITA. Repairing Williams boards is about the only time I find I have to use a flux pin + add fresh solder.

 

[G-P-E]

Do you know if the Phoenix Enterprises brand is any good? Or is it 3M or nothing?

Photos at the Phoenix website shows that they sell the same, widely used "FC" type connectors that are available everywhere.
I have been changing to the dual wipe style version of these FC connectors for the past few years (dual wipe are hard to find and cost more). Even though these are the dual wipe version, I have still been somewhat disappointed at the quality - mainly due to the strain relief. The strain relief works great for narrow connectors up to about 20 or 26 pins. At wider widths such as 34 and above, they are somewhat easy to break especially if pushing only in the middle of the plug while installing. This is why I plan on changing back to 3M... just as soon as my current supply of 4000 diminishes enough.
Note that Phoenix does not state if it is single or dual wipe. If not stated - assume these to be the much more popular and cheaper single wipe type connectors.
A note about the FC type connectors - they do work but there is a myriad of different companies all making the same type of connector. Quality ranges widely from outright crap to pretty decent connectors. Regardless of which ones you get, don't expect to get the same lifespan out of these as what you got with the originals (assuming the originals were 3M, AMP, T&B or similar).

Those interstitial connectors on the solder end can be a real bugger to replace. Life would have been much simpler if they used a DIP or header type connections rather than the 'must be soldered' interstitial connectors.... but noooooo....

 

[partschanger]

Thank you very much for your informative reply.

For as many as I will need, I will take your advice and go with dual-wipe 3M parts if I can find them.

 

[partschanger]

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/3M-Electronic-Solutions-Division/D89140-0101HK?qs=IDj0%2FmHVFfZYyBdxpxtECQ%3D%3D

Is this the part we want? I am not sure if the Strain Relief clip is included or has to be bought separately?

THANKS!

 

[G-P-E]

Huh... well this sucks. I can't find the dual beam version of connector anywhere on the 3M website. It has been many years since last I bought these and it appears they are no longer available.
Regardless -- the gray colored D89140 series as you linked to were often used in this sort of equipment including vids & pinball machines.
These have the phosphor bronze contacts instead of the brass as used in some of the cheaper connectors. The "0101" suffix states that the strain relief is not included. To get the strain relief as part of the connector, it would have a 0103 suffix but not many people stock the 0103 version. To get the strain relief separate, see D3448-89140

 

[partschanger]

Thank You Sir.

3M Part Numbers
40 pin Connector D89140-0101HK
40 pin Strain Relief Clip D3448-89140
20 pin Connector D89120-0101HK
20 pin Strain Relief Clip D3448-89120

You can get 5 of each part from MOUSER for $31.99 delivered
or
You can get 10 of each part from MOUSER for $47.83 delivered.

Decisions, Decisions....

 

[Snappy]

Thank You Sir.

3M Part Numbers
40 pin Connector D89140-0101HK
40 pin Strain Relief Clip D3448-89140
20 pin Connector D89120-0101HK
20 pin Strain Relief Clip D3448-89120

You can get 5 of each part from MOUSER for $31.99 delivered
or
You can get 10 of each part from MOUSER for $47.83 delivered.

Decisions, Decisions....

Your part list was useful as I needed to place an order for the same, thanks!

 

[HudsonArcade]

I hear you man, but I already fixed a flaky Interface Board cable by just replacing the IDC end which is 10 times easier than desoldering 20 little pins and risking damage to the traces. That solder Williams used is some hard stuff to work with...

You'll have even more problems if you only desolder 20 of the 40 pins.

 

[partschanger]

You'll have even more problems if you only desolder 20 of the 40 pins.

I didn't know a DEFENDER Interface Board had 40 pins? Mine only have 20...

 

[HudsonArcade]

I have a couple of ROBOTRON and DEFENDER ROM Boards that have flaky ribbon cables.

I didn't know a DEFENDER Interface Board had 40 pins? Mine only have 20...

QED

 

[HudsonArcade]

If you actually want to fix things, you should be replacing the 40 year old pin strip headers on the board with shrouded headers anyway.

 

[partschanger]

You didn't FULLY READ post#8 Sir...

I said "I already fixed a flaky INTERFACE BOARD Cable". NOT a ROM BOARD cable so QED to you too.