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Author Topic: Connecting the CP to the computer, what do I need?  (Read 1678 times)

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The cranky hermit

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Connecting the CP to the computer, what do I need?
« on: May 04, 2003, 10:45:45 pm »
Let's say I have a control panel sitting in front of me right now. It has two happ supers, and twelve pushbuttons. I have no wires, no harnesses, no connectors to speak of. What do I need in order to connect it to my PC via USB port? Please list EVERYTHING.

All I know for sure is I want a 56 input I-Pac.

cdbrown

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Re:Connecting the CP to the computer, what do I need?
« Reply #1 on: May 05, 2003, 12:32:13 am »
You'll want the USB IPac2, a heap of wire (I prefer stranded), .187 quickconnects (40), microswitches if not already there (20).  A crimping tool or soldering iron.  The wiring section that you can get to from the main site has v good info.

The cranky hermit

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Re:Connecting the CP to the computer, what do I need?
« Reply #2 on: May 05, 2003, 02:37:30 pm »
Are there any things I can get if I don't want to mess with soldering or crimping?

_Iz-

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Re:Connecting the CP to the computer, what do I need?
« Reply #3 on: May 05, 2003, 02:46:48 pm »
an employee.

mikebaker2003

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Re:Connecting the CP to the computer, what do I need?
« Reply #4 on: May 05, 2003, 03:00:13 pm »
Haha...yeah, I'll do it for you, but I'm expensive :) .  If you didn't want to do any soldering or crimping, you could tie the wire on to the terminals (thats what I did while I tested everything).  Sure, you'll have to re-wire everything about every hour, but you don't have to do any soldering or crimping!  I could see how you don't want to solder, but all crimping involves is:
1) Buying quick disconnects and a crimper
2) Inserting wire into said quick disconnects
3) Inserting said quick disconnects into the crimper
4) Squeezing until your palms bleed.

It's really not that bad.

wee beastie

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Re:Connecting the CP to the computer, what do I need?
« Reply #5 on: May 05, 2003, 05:45:20 pm »
what does he need a soldering iron for if he's using the  IPac?  I have an I pac with swappable control panels and didn't solder anything.

TheTick

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Re:Connecting the CP to the computer, what do I need?
« Reply #6 on: May 05, 2003, 05:59:34 pm »
what does he need a soldering iron for if he's using the  IPac?  I have an I pac with swappable control panels and didn't solder anything.

You can solder wires directly to the buttons instead of using quick connects. Not that I would, but you could  ;D
« Last Edit: May 05, 2003, 05:59:58 pm by TheTick »
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Zeitgeist

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Re:Connecting the CP to the computer, what do I need?
« Reply #7 on: May 05, 2003, 06:47:45 pm »
I soldered directly to the microswitches once on a panel that I made for a friend.
When the stick was given back to me a year later, I decide to upgrade it & make it a loaner stick.
It took over two hours to desolder all of the connections & get the blades cleaned off enough to slide the quick connectors onto.
Never again!
It is too innexpensive, easy & quick to crimp on the connectors to go any other route.
Not to mention that solder fumes can cause headaches, dizzyness, & respatory discomfort (says so right on the spool). ::)
Z
There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers what the universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable.

Silverwind

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Re:Connecting the CP to the computer, what do I need?
« Reply #8 on: May 05, 2003, 08:25:04 pm »
Really it's not that expensive as mentioned... I went with quick disconnects..  doesn't take too long to crimp and connect to the switches..  and you can take them off later if you want without too much trouble..

I would say ~$5 worth of disconnects should handle most control panels..  It probably would save you some time as well!

Zeitgeist

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Re:Connecting the CP to the computer, what do I need?
« Reply #9 on: May 05, 2003, 10:57:12 pm »
Silverwind hit the nail on the head:
$5 would get you about 100 quick disconnects at most wholesale electronics suppliers.

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=search&item=1250&type=store

A good pair of wire stripper-crimping pliers will run you about $7-15 retail.

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F005%5F005%5F009%5F000&product%5Fid=64%2D404

These are a must if you intend to do anything with electronics.

Goodluck!
Z
There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers what the universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable.