Multi-pin sockets. plugs and Leads

[HeadlineDJ]

Ok all you US based guys.

Resources for certain things are better over there..

I am looking for some multi-way signal/data connectors, with leads to suit.

Probably somewhere between 15pin to 20pin, Male panel sockets, and female-female cable to match.

I can crimp/solder myself if required. cable needs to be about 1.5mtrs long.


Not much available over here and what I can find is rather expensive, costing about $250 for a cable and panel set.

That is for 4 connectors and cable.

Any alternatives you guys know about?

The cable will be carrying digital signals and analogue audio.

[SirWolfy]

Have you thought about adapting a DVI cable to your needs?

DVI handles both audio and digital signals, are fairly common and come in around $100 US or so.

You may even use a DB-15 (VGA / SVGA) cable to get the appropriate number of conductors, but I'm not so sure about the quality of the analog???

Try some of these:

www.tigerdirect.com
www.newegg.com
www.cablestogo.com

[HeadlineDJ]

Yeah, I have all the parts here to make my own 15-pin / 25-pin cables, D-Sub types, but I was thinking more on the lines of a faster connection time.

Something you can plug in blind folded and not fear about bending pins etc..

Oh, well, My new case is arriving next week, custom built to my designs, first time I have had someone else make me a case, as I'm busy and can't build my own right now.. but it will still have some custom wiring and mountings added when I get it here.

going to be an all-in-one audio processing, lighting and PA rack.

Plug and Play,, hopefully.

If push comes to shove I can always use a Euroscart connector, which is a 21-pin keyed system.

Like what's on TV's DVD's etc.. well sheilded so should be ok.

Only need's to be less than 1.5mtrs in lentgh, and can buy them off the shelf.

[SirWolfy]

Ah, quick connectors... The first thing that comes to mind are trailer wiring harnesses, but most of those are 9 conductor or less and not shielded.

There used to be a 25 pin connector that was made for running data / audio through bulkheads and compartment walls that we used in the fire service field radios / intercom systems. I'll do some looking around and see if they still make them or not and what the damage would be if you're still in need of it.

[HeadlineDJ]

Cool, thanks.

I haven't yet decided on a solution, though need to start wiring next Tuesday / Wednesday.

I found some in the uk, but they are seriously expensive for some connectors.

[HeadlineDJ]

Just a quick post to say all connectors have now been replaced and fitted.

Basically I've gone down from over 22 connections to less than 10.

Instead of 5 cables running up to my truss I have only 2. Data + Voltage.

I have a 25-pin multicore connecting my playback box to my rack. saves a lot of individual cables. I also made some interface connectors so I can get around using the multicore if required. (also good for back-up)

Overall it turned out very well.

I'll upload some pics soon to show you all the (almost) finished rack.

I say almost as I want to alter one or two minor details, but nothing that will change the way it is built right now.

[SirWolfy]

Yeah, sorry about that... My guy still hasn't gotten back to me with anything, but it looks as if you have it covered. I'll try one more time to get some info, if only just for hell of it...lol

[HeadlineDJ]

LOL, thanks wolfy.

and I still need to post those pics. LOL

I have them ulpoaded to a web page so I'll go find the link for all you guys to see.

Should be up real soon.

[HeadlineDJ]

Ok, here is the link after I found the files. LOL

Oh, I also got side-tracked drilling out some rivets.. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]


My compact rack version

This is the one I use mostly for gigs, nice and compact, with 1Kw rms digital amp, back-up mp3/cd player, comp limiter, dual mic system, arcline, analogue and dmx lighting control with dmx fog control which can be removed for remote use.

This rack also processes my lighting power distribution through the illuminated switches etc... so I can isolate different circuits.

The mains inputs are both rated at 40A @ 240V

so it's quite versatile for future upgrading.

The keyboard on the top panel remains attached.

I did this to reduce the number of cables and connections I had to deal with.

Though when I do this I then buy in more gear elsewhere so I don;t end up saving any time. LOL

I did this and then got two moving heads to add to the lighting line up, so that's two extra cables for power and a new DMX loop I have to use.

[img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif[/img]

[HeadlineDJ]

Just to add some points after looking at the page myself.

The keyboard is less than 10mm thick [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img] very neat.

The multi-core cable is what I used for the 25-way connection between the playback unit. All cores are individually screened with an overall outer screen, so it prevents any noise propogating across cores.

Works very well.

I will be fitting some isolators next week to all the audio lines, so if I need to plug into other peoples gear I know there will be no hard connection between their stuff and mine.

Comments are welcomed as are critics good to hear what everyone thinks.