Date : Sun, 29 Feb 2004 12:32:12 +0000
From : Jules Richardson <julesrichardsonuk@...>
Subject: Re: Sick Z80 Second Processor
> Normally you use the top part of the IDC transition connector to force
> the cables into the tines (that's what the metal bayonets are called).
> It takes quite a lot of force, and is usually done commercially with a
> small press, or by hobbyists with a vice.
incidentally, I once bought a tool to do the job for IDC connectors and
the thing was bloody awful. Much easier just to use a vice like you say,
or at a push a decent pair of pliers and just alternate where you apply
pressure along the connector when assembling.
> If you don't have the top part, the only reliable solution is going to
> be to remove the header and replace it as Sprow suggests.
I expect that some of the pins may have been damaged by pulling the old
cable out though; getting it so that the top part will fit again and the
pins make proper contact with the cable might be tricky.
I'd go on the assumption that the whole pcb-mounting connector is
trashed and you need a new one, which means a) finding one, b)
desoldering the old one, and c) assembling the new one without crushing
the pcb.
An alternate idea, if you just want a working board again for your own
use, would be to carefully solder the cable to the remaining part of the
connector on the Z80 board. That also doesn't prevent someone at a later
date from fixing it properly by removing the whole connector from the
board and fitting a new one.
Tip the ends of the individual cables with solder before attempting to
solder them to the damaged connector on the Z80 board or you'll end up
with stray strands everywhere, and be aware that the insulation on the
individual strands will shrink with the heat of soldering, so you only
need to expose a mm or so of the underlying wire before tipping with
solder.
The downside of that approach is that of course there's no strain relief
at that end of the cable, so be very careful about how you handle the
assembled unit!
cheers
Jules