Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Jdurg on December 15, 2007, 09:34:39 pm

Title: Importance of using 0.187 Disconnects as opposed to 0.250 Disconnects?
Post by: Jdurg on December 15, 2007, 09:34:39 pm

I was at Home Depot the other day picking up some Ice-Melt when I went by the electrical section to see if they had any quick disconnects.  I picked up a box of 100 Female Barrell Insulated Quick Disconnects for #14-#16 AWG wire.  The box says "Buchanan" on the outside and the code on the box is 70080.  There is no mention at all about what size it is, but doing measurements I was able to figure out that these are probably 0.250 inch disconnects.  I crimped one onto some 18 AWG wire that I have lying around and it is crimped onto that wire tight!  Also, when testing it on the microswitch it appears to have attached itself quite tightly.

Should I be concerned about this size difference and just consider this $8.00 wasted?

Title: Re: Importance of using 0.187 Disconnects as opposed to 0.250 Disconnects?
Post by: Spaz Monkey on December 15, 2007, 10:00:07 pm

Off the top of my head, your ok if you're using the QDs for your buttons.  There are some things that need .250, but I don't know.  (I had to measure my buttons to make sure I was right).  Remember YMMV.

Title: Re: Importance of using 0.187 Disconnects as opposed to 0.250 Disconnects?
Post by: Jdurg on December 15, 2007, 10:22:47 pm

Thanks.  These are what I plan on doing to wire up my buttons and the microswitches on my joysticks.  Since I don't expect there to be a lot of movement underneath the panel, I don't think it will be too much of a problem.  In the one test connection I've done, I can hold the button up by the wire that's connected through the QD and it doesn't move at all.  Even if I shake it around a bit.

Title: Re: Importance of using 0.187 Disconnects as opposed to 0.250 Disconnects?
Post by: shardian on December 16, 2007, 01:14:58 am

I've used them before. The only issue I ran into every once in a while was that I had to crimp down the disconnect due to looseness. Other than that they worked fine.

Title: Re: Importance of using 0.187 Disconnects as opposed to 0.250 Disconnects?
Post by: u_rebelscum on December 17, 2007, 04:43:05 pm

I've used them, too.  Somehow I got a few microswitches with 0.250 connects, and I was too lazy to have some QD @ 0.187 & some @ 0.250 depending on the switch, so used all 0.250 QDs (that I accidentally bought when I started BMO before I knew I wanted 0.187 :-[).  And since the 0.250 QD fit on the 0.187 switches, but not the other way, I've been using up my box of 0.250 QDs on my last couple wirings.

Title: Re: Importance of using 0.187 Disconnects as opposed to 0.250 Disconnects?
Post by: kelemvor on December 17, 2007, 05:28:44 pm

I always had a pliers handy and would just give the end a quick squeeze to tighten it down a bit before I slid it onto the other end.  That's the only difference is if the switches have smaller ends than the parts you add on, they could slip off.  SO crimping them a bit extra will help reduce the possibility of that happening.