Does anybody have OR know where I can get an IDC ( Insulation Displacement Connector ) punch-on tool?

This is the specific tool that attaches the wires to the plugs that go to the various boards in most games. The plugs look like this:

here: http://www.pinrestore.com/Tools.html ...

but really, don't do that .. just remake the connector with trifurcon pins and new housing... IDC SUCKS!

Dan:

These tools are made by ITW Pancon and are available at: Electrosonic in Toronto 416-494-1555. The .156 spacing tool is a MRT-156F and the smaller one is MRT-100F. You can order by credit card and have it cheaply shipped to you. It will be cheaper than ordering from the USA at pinrestore and they are only $11 Canadian. They even sell the connectors and headers. I can email you and anyone the catalog pages if you PM me your email address.

I agree with Mr.Hide.

Athough the IDC connector would be the quickest fix, these are
typically not very reliable, especially for high-current applications.
Plus, you probably should also replace the affected male header pins
on the board, they are probably cooked.

In my machines and repairs, I use trifurcon pins along with new pins and headers,
for those burned and intermittent connectors.
Plus, I crimp and also solder the trifurcon pins to its wires for better reliability.

Good luck & Cheers,
- Sylvain.

How do you install the trifurcon for the wires that connects to 2 pins ?

You all guessed it, i sucks at repairing but i'm trying to learn   Had to do that before so i wonder how i could have made it better (i used IDC connector in that case since i didnt know what to do with the dual-pins/single wire case).

Daisy-chain, e.g. two wires in one pin.
This is difficult to do, but I have done it successfully many times before.

---------|-----|


Sylvain.

Quoted from Azatotht

How do you install the trifurcon for the wires that connects to 2 pins ?

You all guessed it, i sucks at repairing but i'm trying to learn   Had to do that before so i wonder how i could have made it better (i used IDC connector in that case since i didnt know what to do with the dual-pins/single wire case).

Clay's guide has a good example:
http://marvin3m.com/connect/index.htm

http://marvin3m.com/connect/index.htm#looped

Quoted from sylvain

Daisy-chain, e.g. two wires in one pin.
This is difficult to do, but I have done it successfully many times before.

---------|-----|


Sylvain.

I have needed to do this a number of times and I always solder in the two wires to the trifurcon connector socket for additional comfort/longevity.

HP5P: Thanks for the reference to Electro SOnic, seems like a good supplier that I have missed.  Good pricing on Weller Soldering stations. WTCPT is my personal fav (no need to worry about temps or settings), but the venerable WES51 Analog Soldering Station is priced at $107 which is a good price.

Thanks Tuborg, excellent example...

I'm slowly learning, might be able to actually do a nice repair job one day  

I've just used a mini screwdriver to punch down the wires.  But when given the chance, I will throw out the IDC and replace it with a proper molex connector.

This is what I use.
Made it out of a wide-blade stubby screwdriver. Just filed it a bit narrower, then cut two deep grooves with dremel cutting wheel. You can get the measurements from the spacing inside the IDC connector.

Works great!  I do agree though, truficon is a better way to go for small jobs, but I found myself having to re-arrange and build a lot of IDC connectors lately

Thanks guys.

I do realize that long term, trifurcon is the way to go, but when you're trying to track something down it's alot easier to go with what's already in place.

I just got fed up with using a mini screwdriver to push them back on. ToMMy, I should have expected a custom tool from you, as you strike me as the kind of guy that's just not satisfied with what's out there. Build a better mousetrap!

Dan

P.S. The photo with the burnt connectors was from Clay's guide - no way would I ever live with a connection like that!