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Somebody make me an IDE->Centronics cable and sell it for ~$5... please?

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quarterback:
I mentioned this in this thread in the "Hardware Reviews" forum, but discussion probably isn't really appropriate in a 'review' thread, so I figured I'd give it it's own thread for discussion.


What I'd love to buy is a premade IDE -> centronic connector.  This would allow me (and others) to very easily hook up our solderless GroovyGameGear encoders without having to strip and 'organize' 40 very thin wires from an IDE cable.   The other big bonus would be the instant ability to make swappable, or just easily removable CPs.

If you're not familiar with what I'm describing, basically it would look like this:




This is something I've thought about for a while but I haven't done it (because my soldering skills suck) and just never got around to mentioning it.    I think something like this would be awesome.  Anybody want to make it for me? ;D

Grasshopper:
Centronics connectors are the best type you can buy IMHO.

I used them on a converter box I made some time ago which is basically an Ipac hacked into a printer switchbox. Although I'm happy with the end result the soldering was indeed a major hassle.

Next time, to save soldering, I might use the type of centronics connectors that can be crimped onto an IDE ribbon:

http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSearch/partDetail.jsp?sku=1099282

quarterback:

--- Quote from: Grasshopper on November 26, 2006, 01:53:32 pm ---Next time, to save soldering, I might use the type of centronics connectors that can be crimped onto an IDE ribbon:

http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSearch/partDetail.jsp?sku=1099282
--- End quote ---

Whoa whoa whoa whoaaaaaa.  Are you saying that there already is a centronics connector that can be crimped stright onto an IDE ribbon?!?!?!?

There's no pic at your link there, is that really what that item is? 

Grasshopper:
That's weird. There was definitely a picture when I first posted the link. However, if you check the datasheet you'll see that it is a crimp style connector.

quarterback:
I see now that there is a datasheet and this looks like EXACTLY what I would want.  I did all kinds of searched for converters/adapters but didn't come up with anything.  I thought I must have been the only person to ever think of this.

They make a 50 terminal one as well (which would cover all of the 40 wires from the IDE cable).     All it would take is to buy one of these inexpensive parts, grab an old IDE cable, connect the two and be good to go.

From that point, all I'd need to do is to buy the male end and attach the wires to QDs or into a terminal strip with my controls wired to the other side.   Seems like a great solution to me.  Hell RandyT should start selling these along with his solderless encoders!

This is awesome, Grasshopper.  Now I just need to find a source in the US.  I wonder if there's a local electronics place where I can pick one up instead of paying $5 shipping for a $1 item. 

Thanks!

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