Need advice: Make a harness or buy one?

[ahobson1]

I'm slowly but surely piecing together a galaxy dart board and I'm undecided about what I should do about wiring. It won't be coin op and probably won't have lights. I just need to power the board and a couple of buttons. Should I buy a harness or just buy some wire and connectors and do it myself? And if I were to buy some wire what gauge is generally used?

PS, if I sound like a moron who doesn't know what he's doing it's because I am. 

[Nephasth]

PS, if I sound like a moron who doesn't know what he's doing it's because I am. 

I would normally say build your own, but if this is the case you should buy one.

[PL1]

If you want to learn how to build a harness, start by getting the right tools.

You can get ratcheting crimpers here for a very reasonable price. (Thanks again for the tip, Nep.  )

Here is a large list of dies to go with this 336 ratcheting crimper frame that can take either 236 or 336 series dies.

Dies that you're likely to find useful include 336-H, 236-2U, and 236-2C4.

On many of the die pages, you can click on the Data Sheet tab to see a diagram like this.




Scott

[Nephasth]

If you want to learn how to build a harness, start by getting the right tools.

Start with confidence, then buy the right tools.

[yotsuya]

Neph has definitely guided me in the right direction as far as harness making. Nothing more satisfying than crimping your own harnesses.

[ahobson1]

PS, if I sound like a moron who doesn't know what he's doing it's because I am. 

I would normally say build your own, but if this is the case you should buy one.

  Just kidding about the moron thing. I've dealt with wiring a time or two, it's just always been automotive or home related. I've never built a harness from scratch. Just wanted to get some feedback and get an idea about what I'd be getting myself into.

[ahobson1]

Neph has definitely guided me in the right direction as far as harness making. Nothing more satisfying than crimping your own harnesses.

I know exactly what you mean! I've seen complete machines that are probably cheaper than what this build will cost. But where's the fun in unloading it and plugging it in? Anybody can do that!

[PL1]

If you want to learn how to build a harness, start by getting the right tools.

Start with confidence, then buy the right tools.

I figured that if he had no confidence, he wouldn't invest in the tools.   

Let's just say that confidence and the right tools reinforce each other. 


Scott