Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Buy/Sell/Trade - non-retail => Topic started by: sc1103 on August 30, 2004, 06:03:05 pm
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My control panel originally used pre-wired buttons + joysticks that were part of an older cab I purchased; however, I have had nothing but trouble with these, so I recently purchased a Dream Arcades control panel set (2 joysticks, 12 buttons, 1P start, 2P start, all w/ switches) -
Question: What is the best (economical & sturdiest) way to connect these to my I-PAC2?
So far I have looked at Peale's site for disconnects, wire, etc. but I cannot order anything off of his site (server migration?), Radio Shack, which I knew was already way too expensive, and the Ultimarc Wiring Kit, which looked good until you add the S&H :P. Which of these, or others, should I go with (I have no soldering experience whatsoever)
Thanks!
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I got quick disconnects from Electronics Warehouse (probably local, but you might have a similar type of business where you live.) Otherwise, you might want to try http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50549&item=5713265419&rd=1&ssPageName=WD1V (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50549&item=5713265419&rd=1&ssPageName=WD1V)
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Um, just go to the auto parts store, they will have all that.
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Thanks for the link to the cheap disconnects; however, the biggest concern is $$$ for the crimper - on a shoestring budget- what style/where should I get my crimper? Thanks!
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Well, if you have a Harbor Freight near you, this is a cheap one http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=36810 (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=36810)
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Radio shack has a wirestripper/crimper. They are ~$8. If you dont wanna spend anything you can try to use small plyers.
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Home depot or Lowes, they both have boxes of 100 connectors (way more than enough) for like $4 - $5 and their cheap crimper is like $4.... Thier expensive crimper is like $8 ish....
They don't sell the 20 guage wire, Radio shack sells a nice 3 spool pack for like $5 comes with red, black, and green wire something like 25 feet per roll or there abouts..
Don't forget a small package of wire ties from home depot or Lowes too... those run a couple bucks for a bag of 100 or so. I picked up 1000 of the little buggers for $12 at HOme depot.... Use scotch tape and a sharpie marker to label your wires (BOTH ends dude!)before bundeling them up with the wire ties. or if you want to spend a couple bucks on a wire labeling sticker book, that will give your wire harness a nice professional look to it.
I put the Player one buttons and joystick in the same bundle (wireing harness now <grin>) and the same for Player two. NOT the ground wires though, leave that separate and run two wires to each connector and keep going on the like a string of christmas tree lights, except you'll have a string of quick connectors.
for under $20 you can wire up your new control panel real nice nice, even with the wire marking sticker book :-)
Take your time, do it up nice, and you'll never have to worry about your wiring :-)
Mike B
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Home depot or Lowes, they both have boxes of 100 connectors (way more than enough) for like $4 - $5
If you're looking for .250. I know here that I could not find .187 quick disconnects at neither Lowe's, Home Depot or Harbor Freight.
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Thanks again to everybody...prob. gonna go with Mike's instructions :D and the ebay disconnects
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One thing I find that helps with wiring is terminal barrier strips, useful for providing a common grounding point for all the switches.
You can get them fairly cheaply at my site http://www.miavio.com. Click on the products link and then on the Electrical Accessories category.
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Home depot or Lowes, they both have boxes of 100 connectors (way more than enough) for like $4 - $5
If you're looking for .250. I know here that I could not find .187 quick disconnects at neither Lowe's, Home Depot or Harbor Freight.
ahhh, yes I like the fully insulated disconnects, so I have to wind up getting th e.250's. They work just as well with only a slight wiggle, but they hold tight and don't come off easily so I'm happy with them.
Mike B
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Home depot or Lowes, they both have boxes of 100 connectors (way more than enough) for like $4 - $5
If you're looking for .250. I know here that I could not find .187 quick disconnects at neither Lowe's, Home Depot or Harbor Freight.
Once again, don't go to the hardware store, go to the auto parts store, they all stock .187s because that is a common automotive size.
And speak for yourself, I go through boxes of 100 way too fast.