Where to get IDC cables?

[Phil Allison]

** I need a few 20 way, 0.05 IDC cables.

Farnell have some ready made ones bit not long enough for my app.

Anyone know of a source or someone who offers custom assembly?




.......... Phil

 

[dmm]

On Sat, 12 Nov 2005 12:05:25 +1100, "Phil Allison" <philallison@tpg.com.au> wrote:

** I need a few 20 way, 0.05 IDC cables.

Farnell have some ready made ones bit not long enough for my app.

Anyone know of a source or someone who offers custom assembly?




......... Phil

We've used Australian Interconnection Technology previously, they seem ok.
11 A Capital Link Drv
Campbellfield 3061
(03) 9357 7766

For low quantities, I've generally made my own cables using a bench vice.

 

[Alan]

On Sat, 12 Nov 2005 18:55:19 +1100, "Phil Allison"
<philallison@tpg.com.au> wrote:

"Alan"
"Phil Allison"

** I need a few 20 way, 0.05 IDC cables.

Farnell have some ready made ones bit not long enough for my app.

Anyone know of a source or someone who offers custom assembly?


Not really a source as such but Altronics sell a hand tool for
crimping IDC connectors plus the connectors and cables. Only works
with IDC sockets and D connectors.


** Yes - I see it in their cat. for about $30.



They're easy to make and doing it yourself will probably save time and
money.


** Seems limited to crimping 0.05 IDCs of up to maybe 24 way.

Likely better than my tiny bench vyce but.

I think the biggest I have done up to now is 26way and 25 way D using
mine - but it should do all sizes without any problems. The best
thing is that the travel is just right for the connectors so you can't
over-squeeze them (like you can with a vice) and it's fairly easy to
line up the cable at right angles.

I've actually made an adapter for mine to do the very small AMP
micromatch connectors, that are used in some radios, and it works
quite well.

Alan

--
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Jenal Communications
Manufacturers and Suppliers of HF Selcall
P O Box 1108, Morley, Western Australia
Tel: +61 8 9370 5533 Fax +61 8 9467 6146
Web Site: http://www.jenal.com
Contact: http://www.jenal.com/?p=1
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[dmm]

On Sat, 12 Nov 2005 18:57:05 +1100, "Phil Allison" <philallison@tpg.com.au> wrote:

"dmm"


For low quantities, I've generally made my own cables using a bench vice.


** What is the "secret" of getting the ribbon cable aligned at rt. angles
to the header?

I have tried this in the past and had a fairly poor success rate.




......... Phil

Others may have their own ways which may be better but this is what I do.
Assemble the 1st end onto the cable, with just the connector and the insulation
displacement clamp. Do not clamp it down yet, and try to align the cable at right
angle to the connector. Use a tri-square if necessary. Once that's achieved, just
apply a small amount of force to the IDC clamp to enable the displacement blades
to grip into the insulation without going the full distance. Place the connector assembly
into the vice, trying not to change the position of the connector with respect to the cable.
Lightly clamp the vice to the connector/cable assembly. When you're satisfied that the
assembly is still at right angles, and the cable hasn't moved, close the vice to complete
the crimp. Install the second cable clamp.

If you feel you've got an eye for a right angle, you might just put the cable into the
connector and then the vice, then wriggle the cable until you're satisfied that it's
square, then complete the crimp.

I don't think either method really gives a perfect right angle, but it's close enough.

 

[Phil Allison]

"Phil Allison"

** I need a few 20 way, 0.05 IDC cables.

Farnell have some ready made ones but not long enough for my app.

** On closer inspection of the "Farnell in One" cattledog - I find they
have "Molex" brand QF50 series ready made IDC cables in lengths from 100mm
to 400mm and from 10 to 40 way.

Average price around $8 each plus gst.

Think I will give 'em a go tomorrow.

Thanks to all who posted good suggestions for DIY cables.



......... Phil