Power connector options (please read Tim!)

[tpryan]

I finally had a chance to test these IDC connectors. They make perfectly good electrical connections and are quick to install, but I still prefer the crimp connectors. The feed-through IDC connectors cause the wire to interfere with components on the C84, J99, and N72, though they work fine with A12s. I also think the resulting harness looks better with the stock crimp connectors, but that's just me.

[Randyman...]

I also just finished my harness with these. I see what you mean on the J99 (the plug hits the capacitor). The N72's transformer is easily avoided by bending the wires 90* at the connector (so the wires exit parallel to the connector).

The "Closed End" connectors I bought worked fine for the PS (no bare wires near the top of the chassis), but not on the last module. The ones I ordered exited on the bottom of the connector, so it was not the best choice for the last module - I used a feed thru on the last module.

Overall, I'm really pleased with them. The assembly went quick after the first one, and seemed to speed up with each sucessive connector. The strain reliefs were a worthwhile addition IMO. If you are building a J99 and know in advance you will be using these, you could probably solder the J99's capacitor in at an angle for more connector clearance.

PS TIM - The J99's are phenomenal!

[dkatz42]

I finally wired mine together last night. Unlike the crimp-ons, I was able to put together the entire harness for all eight slots in about a half hour, and it looks much nicer than the old one. I bent the wires exiting the bottom of the connector at the requisite 90 degree angle (it's the direction the wires need to go anyhow) and have no clearance problems in any of the N72, A12, or J99s.

I'm about to build another eight pres, and the idea of wiring another one of those harnesses was depressing me. Whew.

[zoff]

Wow nice pics. Thank you. That answered a lot of my questions right there. I just placed an order with Digi Key.

Connectors Digi Key #A19684-ND $0.37 each but if you buy 25 about $0.20 each Mfg Part #640600-6

Strain Relief Digi Key #A19784-NC $0.63 each Mfg Part #643071-6

T-Handle Digi Key #A9981-ND $17.93 each.

I just tried to order from Digi Key ad it looks like the minimum order for the connector is 250 units! Am I missing something?

TIA

[Randyman...]

I'm about to build another eight pres, and the idea of wiring another one of those harnesses was depressing me. Whew.

I just filled up my first SCA Rack this past week with the addition of 2 more A12's. So that's: 4x A12, 2x N72, 2x J99. I'd love to start another, but money is a bit tight right now. dkatz42, you are insane (just kidding)

These push-down Connectors really make a difference in the overall time the assembly takes IMO. This is especially true if you build a few modules at a time, and didn't leave any extra leads on the partial harness (like I did with my first 4 modules ). Un-Crimping those original connectors to add leads was a nightmare. Making a 9-Node "Push-Down" harness was so much easier than making a 5-Node "Crimp" harness for me.

On the 250 unit issue - I know I only ordered 12 or 15 connectors from Digikey. Are you trying to buy a "Gross" by accident?