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Swappable Control Panels -- Molex?

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Flip_Willie:

Hey,

     What is the most common method used for making electrical connections on a swappable control panel?  Basically, I just want to make a new control panel for my arcade that could be easily swapped with the original CP. (I bought it used. It is set up for Mame using a J-PAC and Arcade VGA). The panel it has now can easily be removed – it just has a few bolts and some Molex connections for the electrical. (Pictures in my next post). 

    I would like to use Molex if I could; hopefully, this would allow me to utilize the already present Molex connections in the control Panel.  If I did end up using Molex, all I need is the Molex itself – male and female ends – the correct pins, and a regular crimping tool, right? However, if using Molex means I need to buy an expensive tool, I would rather not use it.

     Put simply:

      (1). Are Molex connections fairly easy to use and make? Do I need a special tool to crimp and insert the pins?
      (2). Does Divemaster carry Happ's Molex?
      (2). If I Molex is not a viable option for me, what would be the easiest and cheapest alternative?

      Thanks! Hopefully that was clear enough.

Just as it is,
Flip Willie


Flip_Willie:

(Pictures)

extremepong:

I saw a nice setup using CAT 5 network cable and (I think RJ45 sockets) so that yields 8 pins and a smaller size. I think I'm going that way too unless I am warned off. Search swappable 'cause I think I saw it here somewhere. Isn't  Molex mainly for power connectors? - so that would be a lot of overkill.

Spaz Monkey:

Molex isn't just for power.  I have purchased two complete set-ups and they both used Molex.  Just realize that each connection (male, female, pins, sockets) cost about $2 - $3 each.

spiffykyle:

As of now, I am planning on going with Cat5, yes they are RJ45 sockets. Gives 8 connections for each port so it can be easy to swap out controls (joysticks mainly) in the future without rewiring much.

Unless someone else has had problems with Cat5.

spiffy

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