DB25 vs 36 position Centronics

[Grasshopper]

For my next panel I'm probably going to build a few separate converter boxes so that I can use it with my PC and Dreamcast.

Most people here seem to connect their panel to the converter with DB25 cables. However, I'm thinking that 36 position Centronics connectors might be more durable and easier to connect because they clip on instead of screwing on.

Is there any reason why people here seem to prefer DB25 connectors?

Also, can anyone tell me how many wires a typical 36 position Centronics - 36 pin Centronics cable has? Presumably not all 36 pins are used but I can't find this info anywhere on the net.

Thanks in advance.

[abrannan]

DB25s are easier to find than CN36s at your local Radio Shack.  That's the reason why I chose it.  Actually, I think 40 pin IDE headers (as are used on the MiniPAC) are the best way to go, and if Andy would just make a terminal block to IDE header connector board, I'd be all over it.  

[pmc]

I needed more than 25-pins so I used an internal SCSI cable. Or maybe it is IDE.

It works great, but the wires are pretty small. The plug-unplug activity is rapid, simple, and easy.

I've been considering changing it to 3 12-pin Molex connectors but given the expense and trouble, I may just leave the SCSI cable.

Of course once you commit to the connector, you'll need the same connector for every other device or control panel you want to connect. So you better like it.

[Grasshopper]

Thanks for the replys.

Another possibility I've just thought of would be to use scart cables. They have 20 pins each so you'd probably need to use two. This doesn't matter to me, I'm building single player panels so I'll be using two cables (one per player) anyway.

Regardless of what connector type I choose, the biggest problem facing me is how to fix the connector to the wood. I did consider IDE cables. However header pins are generally connected directly to a circuit board which complicates matters. I'd have to solder the header pins onto a piece of stripboard and then somehow fix it to the side of the case. Too much hassle and probably not very sturdy.

Edit: I've just being doing some more research, apparently scart leads can have up to 21 wires in them.

[pmc]

I did consider IDE cables. However header pins are generally connected directly to a circuit board which complicates matters. I'd have to solder the header pins onto a piece of stripboard and then somehow fix it to the side of the case. Too much hassle and probably not very sturdy.

I used an internal SCSI cable instead of IDE so I wouldn't have to go through all of that. One end of the cable is male and the other end is female. They already mate. Just cut the cable in half. Use the raw ends of the cables to wire directly to the hardware (solder, whatever). then leave the intact male or female ends hanging in the breeze. When you want to connect, you just plugh the two loose cable ends into each other.

Now that I said all of that, I'm remembering why I didn't use a standard IDE cable. I beleive that both ends are female. That'll getcha.

- p

[pmc]

Hey... I just bought anothr cable tonight so I can add the DC. It turns out that it's an internal SCSI cable EXTENSION. It's meant to extend the length of an 18" ribbon cable. That's why it has one male and and one female end. It cost me $9.90. IDE cables are much cheaper (as low as $2.49 where I was) but you get two male ends.

I'm still considering switching to molex, centronix, or a telephone 66 or 110-block with centronix connectors. But until I do, these SCSI cables really do work fairly well.

- pmc

[bigmoe]

Is there any reason why people here seem to prefer DB25 connectors?

Cheap and available.  There was a recent thread in the main section about places to buy cheap cabling.  If you go this route, you want 25-conductor straight through cables (serial extension cables).

Also, can anyone tell me how many wires a typical 36 position Centronics - 36 pin Centronics cable has? Presumably not all 36 pins are used but I can't find this info anywhere on the net.

I had trouble with this too.  It depends on the manufacturer.  I emailed Belkin, and their 36M/36F cables are meant for parallel printers, so they have a minimum number of connected wires, like 22 or something.

b

[pmc]

I also saw DB35 connectors at the electronics store the other day. It looks like a DB25 but it's got more pins. Enough for me (25 wasn't enough). Something to consider over Molex and the other options.

[Grasshopper]

I've just been tearing my hair out. The search facility on Belkin's website is hopeless. However after a lot of effort (I eventually resorted to using Google's site command) I think I've found what I'm looking for.

I'm going to use 36 pin male - 36 pin male centronics switchbox cables (ref: .F2E020b10):

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=202329&pcount=&Product_Id=125123&Section.Section_Path=%2FCables%2FSwitchbox%2FProSerie%2E%2E%2EoxCables%2F

From my research I believe that all 36 pins are wired up but I might email Belkin just to be certain.

Centronics cables are admittedly slightly harder to get hold of but they are far sturdier that DB25 cables (IMHO), and the extra connections mean that a single cable can be used for a two player panel with a few connections left over for things like player start LEDs, +5v and ground.

If anyone is interested in using a switchbox then Belkin sell these as well (ref: F1A013):

 http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=1803&pcount=&Product_Id=123428&Section.Section_Path=%2FRoot%2FPeripheralSharing%2FManualSwitchboxes%2F#

The female Centronics connectors can be bought from electronic component specialists such as Farnell.

[froggerman]

Actually, I think 40 pin IDE headers (as are used on the MiniPAC) are the best way to go, and if Andy would just make a terminal block to IDE header connector board, I'd be all over it.  

I couldn't agree more. I don't like using ribbon cable from the 40 pin IDE header as it is too small, about 28 guage wire. You can use 2x20 Berg connectors, that is what Andy uses, and put 22 guage wire in. You do need a crimper for the pins though.