which wire works best? (from radio shack?)

[shateredsoul]

I'm working on getting some arcade control and I'm probably going to buy the wire from radioshack (it's nearby, and not too expensive)

I saw this "20' 24AWG 4 Solid Conductor Intercom Wire" and thought it might be good since it has 4 colors, and I can use it to color code controllers.  Here's the link http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062656

and I also saw these that are also color coated 75-Ft. UL-Recognized Hookup Wire (22AWG) http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049745

Does anyone seem better? or would not recommend either?

-Shatered

[Havok]

I'm working on getting some arcade control and I'm probably going to buy the wire from radioshack (it's nearby, and not too expensive)

I saw this "20' 24AWG 4 Solid Conductor Intercom Wire" and thought it might be good since it has 4 colors, and I can use it to color code controllers.  Here's the link http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062656

and I also saw these that are also color coated 75-Ft. UL-Recognized Hookup Wire (22AWG) http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049745

Does anyone seem better? or would not recommend either?

-Shatered

Either would work. I personally used the 22AWG stuff on my panels. They are swappable, so I am constantly changing them out and they have stood the test of time; it's been almost two years and still everything works great.

[MonMotha]

Most commercially made cabinets are wired with 22AWG or thereabouts, and it's usually stranded.  Stranded wire crimps into crimp connectors better and can be flexed more without breaking.  22AWG is big enough to have some durability and be easily handled, but it's not huge.  It also readily crimps into the "red" size quick connects as well as most in-line interconnect systems and even most PCB interconnect systems.  It's a handy size.  Signal lines like those used for controls don't have enough current running through them to matter really as to size.  You could use 30AWG, and it would work, but the wires would break a lot and be hard to work with.

Power from the power supply to the PCB is generally 18AWG since it has to handle a fair bit of current (5-10A or so).  AC power wiring is also usually 18AWG.

I think Rat Shack sells 22AWG stranded wire still.

[Havok]

The 22AWG stuff he has linked there is stranded. Works great.

[shateredsoul]

What does "stranded" mean?

[Hockeyboy]

Stranded means the wire is actually made up of lots of other teeny little wires that are wrapped together to form a bundle inside the plastic sheathing. Very bendable, doesn't hold it's bend, and as long as you don't just continually bend this wire all over the place it will last a very long time, as in the little wires inside won't break, reducing your path for electricity.

The other type of wire is usually called "solid" and it's made up of just one solid piece of conductive metal. If you want to know what that looks like, just go to your closet and grab a wire hanger. That's solid wire. It's a LOT tougher to bend but it stays "in place" when you do bend it.

[shateredsoul]

Oh nice! Thanks for the information. I think i'll get that wire now.. so I can look at it from now until I can afford the arcade controller kit I was hoping to get, just did my taxes and I owe lots.