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Connector's for Swappable panels?
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Necro:
What do most people use?  I'm leaning towards the standard molex like connectors, so each panel just has a standard 'industrial' type setup that isn't going to have some very thin wiring on it going to a DB type connector that might break. 

However, I'm having some issues locating them.  They have them at Radio Shack, but I know prices there are generally insane, so I'd like to find them online.  I'm going to purchase the rest of my wiring/connectors from AllElectronics, but I need to locate something to use for my panel connectors.

TIA for any insight/advice.
TheShanMan:
"Most people"? I don't think there are very many of us. :-\

I used a DB37 and the only complaint I have is that it requires more effort than I'd like, but it's not bad (really, I want too much - I'd like it to be easy like plugging in a usb device!). However, I'd think molex would be quite a bit more effort and will only discourage you from swapping panels as time goes on. Swapping takes enough time as it is; you don't want to make it any harder than it needs to be - believe me! My swappable setup is probably about as easy as it gets and I still find myself sometimes avoiding games because I'm too lazy to swap at the time.

As for breaking, I don't think that's an issue at all if you do it right. On the encoder side, I cut a pre-made DB37 in half and ran the individual wires to the encoder, and then attached the cable to the inside of the cab so there is strain relief and therefore no potential reliability issues on that side. And on the panel side I soldered the wire (can't remember off hand if it was 22 or 20 gauge) directly into DB37 connectors with solder cups, and cable tie the wires to the panel. In addition the connector itself has internal strain relief. So bottom line, I am not at all concerned about reliability of my wiring.

Let me know if you need a lead on DB37 stuff.
Franco B:
I suppose your solution depends on the number of connections required, the cross sectional area of the poles (for powered poles) and the amount of times you estimate plugging/unplugging the connection.

I would advise against molex's as they are not designed to be plugged/unplugged repeatedly. I read somewhere they only are designed to have a 25 use life cycle (although I'm not sure I believe it).

I don't know why you don't want to use DB connectors, they are used in industrial applications all of the time, You can either buy something like a VGA extension cable and cut it in half or buy the plain sockets with solder buckets and solder them yourself.

I'm using a range of DB connectors for one of my projects. I bridged four of the poles in each DB for the +5v.

NickG:
I used an ATX power supply extension cord (like one of these) for my first project, but I also advise against molex type, in favor of shelled & shielded connectors with proper strain relief, such as DB, Dsub, or centronics types.
Necro:
Just to clarify and make sure I'm using the right terminology, by molex type I meant a larger version of the PC molex power connector with a larger number of connectors. 

And...honestly...I can't solder worth a damn and working with the DB connectors frightens me a bit because of the small size.  What is a 'solder cup'?  Not sure I've see that or know what it is?

And I do plan on doing a reasonable amount of swapping.  Going to be a fighter/general use CP, a spinner CP, and a third, yet to be designed CP.  I'm doing the fighter first, but need to design it with a swappable design for when I make the other CPs.

ANd Fraco I really like your setup.  What do you mean you bridged 5 poles for the +5?  So +5 is running to 5 pins on the DB connector?  Will I need to do something similar for ground?  (the CP will be lighted...)
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