Aimtrak 5 pin connector

[Donkbaca]

Maybe Andy can answer this.

I just got some aimtracks in the mail, and the new boards have a 5 pin connector instead of the solder points.  Since I am new to soldering, I was wondering what kind of connector to use to connect to these pins, that way I can avoid soldering to the board.

Thanks!

[AndyWarne]

This is the one:

http://uk.farnell.com/multicomp/mc34559/receptacle-free-5way/dp/1578141

[TeutonicDarkness]

 WOW!

 The new boards don't have to be soldered?
No more soldering for extra buttons?
That makes me want to go back and buy more.
Sure I got them connected but I fubbed up several
solder points on the board before getting 2 xtra.

 Is This the new Standard? In other words if I ordered another
today is there a guarantee it will be a solder-less board?

[AndyWarne]

 Is This the new Standard? In other words if I ordered another
today is there a guarantee it will be a solder-less board?

Yes it will have the connector. The original intention  was to support only the trigger and aux buttons which is why they are on the large connector, but I did mention the other solder points in the docs. The connector was not planned to be fitted until we have complete guns on sale but I brought this forward and we now fit it on all the modules.

[Donkbaca]

I found the connectors from newark here in the states.  4 cents a piece.  Now I just need to figure out how to connect the wires to them

[TAG]

The connector was not planned to be fitted until we have complete guns on sale but I brought this forward and we now fit it on all the modules.

Speaking of which, any update on when the complete, pre-assembled guns will be available?  Thanks!

[Donkbaca]

So... Andy can you let me know hiw to install wires into the 5 pin connector housing? what gauge wire do I use and how do I put the wiresin the housing and make them stay?

[AndyWarne]

The wires crimp into crimp contacts which push into the housing. You can do this without the correct (expensive) crimp tool using a pair of sharp-nosed pliers.

[Donkbaca]

Contacts like these?
http://www.frys.com/product/2050779

Thanks for your patience Andy

[AndyWarne]

No the contacts have to be the type made for the housing. You can buy pre-crimped wires:

http://uk.farnell.com/multicomp/hca-a0118-004a-lf/lead-skt-free-end-150mm-pk10/dp/1656583?crosssellid=1656583&crosssell=true&in_merch=true&

Although this is a Farnell link, Newark are owned by Farnell so should have them also.

[jazond]

So the US site, Newark - has a lead time of 89 days on the pre crimped connectors!  And the UK site wont ship to the US.  Gaaa!

I just received the Aimtrack guts, and have my Guncon 2's in pieces ready to go.  If I order just the connector, does it come with the crimpable ends also so you can just add cable?  Or do I need to order those separately if we cannot get the pre-crimped ones on this side of the pond?

On a side note, the black part on the stock Guncons with the lens,  as a test i cut all but the largest black ring off that actually houses the lens and put it back in the gun and placed the aimtrack behind it.  It works, surprisingly well.  Is that expected?  Is that lens giving it a wider point of view even though I am recessing it further into the gun?

[captaincatalyst]

If you happen to be the type who stores up broken electronics, you might very well find wired connectors that will fit.  I had a few broken portable dvd players and found a 3-pin connector that fits (albeit only connecting 3 wires) and a maybe 6-pin connector that was easily modified to 5 and fits just fine into the Aimtrak.

[Donkbaca]

The housing is just a piece that holds the crimp connectors, it does not have the crimp connectors, you have to get them separate.  In the end, I figured it was too much trouble and just soldered everything together.  It was a PAIN but, it all works.

In retrospect, I am not sure if it was worth it, as I have yet to use anything else other than reload and shoot on any of the games I have played so far

[captaincatalyst]

The housing is just a piece that holds the crimp connectors, it does not have the crimp connectors, you have to get them separate.  In the end, I figured it was too much trouble and just soldered everything together.  It was a PAIN but, it all works.

In retrospect, I am not sure if it was worth it, as I have yet to use anything else other than reload and shoot on any of the games I have played so far

That's kind of how I feel about the extra buttons.  You're likely standing at your cabinet, which has a ton of buttons already, so why do you need so many extra buttons on your light gun?  Just take a couple steps toward the cab and push a button there.  I wired the trigger and AUX buttons so far, and in testing my guns, it seems like that's all I will need.

I suppose if you wanted to use the PS2 Guncon mode, you might want more buttons...