What do you put on the connectors?

[guppy]

The connectors inside my cabinet are always really hard to pull apart.  Do you guys ever put vaseoline or something on them to make them come apart easier next time?

[SavannahLion]

Vaseline? Not really. It tends to get into places I don't want it to go to.

I found this purple oily stuff for connectors if I expect them to be subject to moisture or less than ideal conditions. I have yet to treat a cab for it though.

I lost the can so I couldn't tell you what it was. I got it at the automotive store. But even that wasn't really meant for connectors subject to too many disconnections. Just to prevent things like rust.

I assume you're referring to the molex type connectors? They're not really meant to be disconnected all the time, unlike say....USB connectors. Some of these molex connectors have life cycles as low as 25. Whereas USB type A connectors have a life cycle something on the order of 5000 (I suspect that's an optimistic number though). I could be wrong about the exact numbers but I'm pretty sure the gist of it got through.

The JAMMA edge connectors probably have a much higher life cycle, but I don't know the exact count. I would imagine worst case would be about equal to the old NES edge connectors.

Depending on the connector (molex or JAMMA) you're probably better off just outright replacing them with more suitable connectors instead of trying to find some kind of "lubricant" for the job.

I wouldn't replace them. Nothing sucks worse than a connector coming lose right when you're about to best your top score.

[guppy]

Yes I am reffering to the molex type connectors.  The problem is not worrying about them becoming disconnected.  They are so hard to pull apart that it hurts my hands.  I was thinking that a petroleum based substance (vasoline) would allow them to slide apart easier, not to mention possibly rejuvinating the plastic.  You know how plastic connectors get old and brittle especially when they are in a warm dry location.

[SavannahLion]

Vaseline probably won't do the trick. If even the tiniest bit gets on the outside of the connector your hands are going to slip right off. Believe me, it's an awful experience. Rapping your knuckles on some bit of metal because your hands slipped off the connectors for the umpteenth time is going to change your opinion of the engineer who designed the cab.

As for the plastic getting brittle and breaking apart. Despite what people tell you on the internet (WD40? apparently common on old consoles Mkay   ) once plastic reaches the point where it becomes brittle that's pretty much it. It's done. If you can get to the plastic before it becomes brittle then your options begin to open up.

In all honesty though. Molex connectors are ridiculously common. Digikey and Mouser carry a huge selection. I'm sure there are suppliers here that sell the more common shapes used in cabinets.

Short answer, if the Molex connector breaks, just replace it.  If the Molex hurts your fingers, replace it with a different type or build some short adapters.

[SavannahLion]

You know, after thinking about it a bit. I think I'm approaching this the wrong way.

Why are you pulling apart your connectors so often? Are you swapping  boards?

[ChadTower]

That was my thought too.  Molex connectors are designed to be disconnected very infrequently.  Get the stuff working properly and leave it for years.  You WANT your connectors to be tight.