Breakaway cables

[ncflagg]

I want a way to disconnect a cable if it is yanked/tripped over. For several projects I'm working on, I want to incorporate breakaway cables like the old Xbox controllers had (I think some 360 controllers have it too). One obvious use case is for a light gun attached to a home cab. Another use case is for a controller adapter to parallel port (DOS/Win98).

It looks like broken Xbox controllers are going for about $10 so I am looking for something cheaper than that. It looks like the Xbox controllers are 5-wire (USB) which is just enough for one of my projects but having a few more wires would be nice.

[Titchgamer]

There are plenty of options out the for quick disconnect plug/sockets but most would probably be to big for this application.
Or the ones small enough would likely be expensive.
Atleast the ones I can think of at this point in time.

I would say think more about your cable management so they dont lie on the floor to be tripped over and are well secured so as not to worry about being yanked to much.

[ncflagg]

I see replacement Xbox 360 cords, including the breakaway, can be had from China on Ebay for cheaper than buying a controller. This is probably what I'll use for the light guns.

The 360 cords appear to be 4 wire (USB) while the older Xbox Original cords are 5-wire. I'll see if I can find a controller at a thrift shop.