Question: MiniPAC Pin Size

[Searcher7]

Since an IDE cable will fit on the pins of a MiniPAC controller I was wondering if anyone tell me the size of IDE cable pins, and if it is possible to get a connector for a single pin.

I thought I'd try connecting individual leads to the pins I need to use. (Soldering wires directly to each pins is obviously not a plausible idea).

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

[mlalena]

Darren,

IDE cables usually don't work this way.

The end connectors of an IDE cable consists of 2 parts. You put the cable between the 2 parts and then pinch the cable between them. There are teeth in these connectors that cut through the insulation and make contact with the wire. You do not wire each pin individually like you would with a molex connector. The wires are too close together.

Normally what you would do is take the IDE connector, connect one end to the mini-pac, cut off the other end connector and then separate the individual wire strands and terminate that end as you see fit.

Hope this helps.

[Searcher7]

Darren,

IDE cables usually don't work this way.

The end connectors of an IDE cable consists of 2 parts. You put the cable between the 2 parts and then pinch the cable between them. There are teeth in these connectors that cut through the insulation and make contact with the wire. You do not wire each pin individually like you would with a molex connector. The wires are too close together.

Normally what you would do is take the IDE connector, connect one end to the mini-pac, cut off the other end connector and then separate the individual wire strands and terminate that end as you see fit.

Hope this helps.

I know how an IDE cable is put together. But the pins you slip a cable on have to be a standard. That is why I asked if there exists a connector for a single pin.

I'm told they are for 0.1" spaced pin headers, so I'm searching for a connector that will fit over a single pin.

As for stripping an IDE cable, it's easier said than done.

I've had these MiniPACs gathering dust for three years because no one here could tell me how to do this.

My wire strippers only strip wires as small as 20g.

I would like to get thicker wires anyway, since those of an IDE cable are tiny.

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

[AndyWarne]

I am not sure why you only need to connect one pin? Thats a very limited panel hehe.

The part numbers of the connectors are:

Molex housing p/n 22-55-2401 (40 way)

Crimp terminals for these are 16-02-0102

You would need a suitable crimp tool.

Molex do make a one-pin housing I believe if you really need this.

Andy

[Searcher7]

I am not sure why you only need to connect one pin? Thats a very limited panel hehe.

The part numbers of the connectors are:

Molex housing p/n 22-55-2401 (40 way)

Crimp terminals for these are 16-02-0102

You would need a suitable crimp tool.

Molex do make a one-pin housing I believe if you really need this.

Andy

Thanks.

I actually will need to use about a dozen pins. Since an IDE cable won't work, I need to find a way to connect the MiniPAC to a terminal block, and I figure I might as well just connect to the pins I'll be using.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

[BobA]

Often the front panel of a computer is connected using single and double pin connectors to the header on the MB.  These are available from computer shops or from your junk pile.