IDC connector replacement

[garyr]

I need to replace the 14-pin female IDC connector on a debugger cable that
mates with the 2x7 JTAG header on my microprocessor boards. Could I snip
off a bit of the cable (the connections to the connector have become
intermittent) and attach a new connector by hand somehow, perhaps using a
small vice to seat the clamp? Digi-Key has something called a Pana-Press
that apparently is the proper tool for this job but is rather expensive.

 

[[email protected]]

I need to replace the 14-pin female IDC connector on a debugger cable that
mates with the 2x7 JTAG header on my microprocessor boards. Could I snip
off a bit of the cable (the connections to the connector have become
intermittent) and attach a new connector by hand somehow, perhaps using a
small vice to seat the clamp? Digi-Key has something called a Pana-Press
that apparently is the proper tool for this job but is rather expensive.

For one-off, non-production use, a vise works fine, even a pair of
pliers.

 

[Spehro Pefhany]

I need to replace the 14-pin female IDC connector on a debugger cable that
mates with the 2x7 JTAG header on my microprocessor boards. Could I snip
off a bit of the cable (the connections to the connector have become
intermittent) and attach a new connector by hand somehow, perhaps using a
small vice to seat the clamp? Digi-Key has something called a Pana-Press
that apparently is the proper tool for this job but is rather expensive.

Yes, the parts have molded features that guide them as they go
together and hold the ribbon in the right location, provided you
squeeze them reasonably evenly. A vise or a small arbor press works
just fine. The parts are cheap enough that I usually make up a new
cable or two rather than try to repair an existing one.

 

[Rich Webb]

I need to replace the 14-pin female IDC connector on a debugger cable that
mates with the 2x7 JTAG header on my microprocessor boards. Could I snip
off a bit of the cable (the connections to the connector have become
intermittent) and attach a new connector by hand somehow, perhaps using a
small vice to seat the clamp? Digi-Key has something called a Pana-Press
that apparently is the proper tool for this job but is rather expensive.

As mentioned, a careful application of a shop vice can do the trick.

Also mentioned were pliers. While this can "work" (for certain
definitions of "work") there's also an inexpensive hand tool (one source
among many is <http://www.tequipment.net/Eclipse300-011.html> ) that's a
step up from ordinary pliers: smooth jaws and parallel closing.

For onsie/twosie I'd go with the vice if there is one handy, otherwise
the Eclipse tool until getting up into real production quantities.

 

[Baron]

garyr Inscribed thus:

I need to replace the 14-pin female IDC connector on a debugger cable
that mates with the 2x7 JTAG header on my microprocessor boards. Could
I snip off a bit of the cable (the connections to the connector have
become intermittent) and attach a new connector by hand somehow,
perhaps using a small vice to seat the clamp? Digi-Key has something
called a Pana-Press that apparently is the proper tool for this job
but is rather expensive.

I use an old "Stanley" 100mm vice. Works just fine !

 

[Dennis]

I need to replace the 14-pin female IDC connector on a debugger cable that
mates with the 2x7 JTAG header on my microprocessor boards. Could I snip
off a bit of the cable (the connections to the connector have become
intermittent) and attach a new connector by hand somehow, perhaps using a
small vice to seat the clamp? Digi-Key has something called a Pana-Press
that apparently is the proper tool for this job but is rather expensive.

As others have noted a vice works fine. I put a wood strip between the
jaw and the connector to protect the plastic. For dip pin connectors I
put a couple of slots in the wood block for the pins.

 

[Baron]

Dennis Inscribed thus:

As others have noted a vice works fine. I put a wood strip between the
jaw and the connector to protect the plastic. For dip pin connectors I
put a couple of slots in the wood block for the pins.

Actually I cheat and use an old socket to protect the pins.

 

[Spehro Pefhany]

Dennis Inscribed thus:


Actually I cheat and use an old socket to protect the pins.

I splurge and use a new socket.

 

[Jasen Betts]

I need to replace the 14-pin female IDC connector on a debugger cable that
mates with the 2x7 JTAG header on my microprocessor boards. Could I snip
off a bit of the cable (the connections to the connector have become
intermittent) and attach a new connector by hand somehow, perhaps using a
small vice to seat the clamp? Digi-Key has something called a Pana-Press
that apparently is the proper tool for this job but is rather expensive.

a vice should work as long as you get the parts aligned correctly

the main disadvantage of the vice over the special tool is that and that it
takes about 10 times longer to operate, and getting the parts aligned
is slightly harder.

other way to crimp them is to use pliers or slam them in a
door or drawer

if you don't get the tool, get some spare connectors you may ruin the
first one you try.

 

[PeterD]

I have successfully used a vice for compression on a number of
occasions, and even a pair of pliers a few times when pressed.

I always use my vice for them... Works just fine.

 

[Rich Grise]

I need to replace the 14-pin female IDC connector on a debugger cable that
mates with the 2x7 JTAG header on my microprocessor boards. Could I snip
off a bit of the cable (the connections to the connector have become
intermittent) and attach a new connector by hand somehow, perhaps using a
small vice to seat the clamp? Digi-Key has something called a Pana-Press
that apparently is the proper tool for this job but is rather expensive.

I've done it in an ordinary vise ("vice" means "sinful stuff"), but you have
to have the mating connector so you don't squash all the pins.

Good Luck!
Rich

 

[Rich Grise]

a vice should work as long as you get the parts aligned correctly

the main disadvantage of the vice over the special tool is that and that
it takes about 10 times longer to operate, and getting the parts aligned
is slightly harder.

other way to crimp them is to use pliers or slam them in a
door or drawer

if you don't get the tool, get some spare connectors you may ruin the
first one you try.

Hey, just call the vice squad!

The word is "vise."

Hope This Helps!
Rich

 

[Spehro Pefhany]

fOn Wed, 05 Jan 2011 09:25:47 -0800, Rich Grise

Hey, just call the vice squad!

The word is "vise."

The word is also "vice".

http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/vice_3

 

[Rich Grise]

Hey, just call the vice squad!

The word is "vise."

Only in America ....[/QUOTE]

Well, they have weird spellings for all kinds of stuff in Rightpondia.

I think we should separate American English and Brit English and get our
own language, possibly called "American English." Heck, Australia gets one
of their own, called "Strine," spelled a-u-s-t-r-i-a-l-i-a-n. ;-D

Cheers!
Rich