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Swappable Control Panels -- Molex?
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