IDC termination s for a 3-row connector are mechanically problematic.
They're probably needlessly/intolerably fragile. Fortunately, external
ribbon cables are no longer tolerated here in the U.S. They have been
replaced with Pacific-rim-manufactured shielded cables which work quite
admirably and which can be built into the DD50 with just as much integrity
as the 2-row connectors.
Those guys on the SCSI-II committee must have been software weenies, having
picked the teensy and fragile high-density cable connectors they chose. I'd
say they're every bit as likely to break as the microscopic things used in
the "SCSI-III" connectors which look like the ones used on several of my
PCMCIA cards. Fortunately, I'm too cheap to buy these most modern and
extremely expensive connectors.
I've got about two dozen of the old "Blue-Ribbon" (used in office phone
systems) connector-fitted cables most of which I've had for years, used to
tow the car, etc, and I've never had reason to cuss them. I have seven of
the "SCSI-II" connectors on five cables, of which all but one are adapters.
Only one of the adapters works right, i.e. their strain relief actually
relieves strain, as opposed to pulling out. Of course, with them, I always
know which end has the problem. I've not used the one with the little
connector at both ends. I doubt I could fix it if it broke, which it surely
will . . .
Dick
-----Original Message-----
From: Tony Duell <ard_at_p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
<classiccmp_at_u.washington.edu>
Date: Wednesday, May 26, 1999 5:37 PM
Subject: Re: non-SCSI disks on a SCSI disk interface (was Re: Space, the
next frontier)
>>
>> It's odd that SUN, then, having declared the SCSI on the skids, would
have
>> been the ONE with the most sensible and least fragile connector on their
>> external cable harnesses. If I had $1 for every time I've had a problem
>> with external SCSI cable connectors, I could retire in luxury. I've
NEVER
>> had trouble with the D-types, in this case, the DD-50, breaking off
>> contacts, etc.
>
>Yes, but have you seen the price of IDC DD50 plugs? Last time I needed
>some, the standard 'Amphenol' 50 pin plugs (like overgrown Centronics
>plugs) were a couple of pounds a time, but the DD50s were \pounds 17.00
>or so...
>
>I must admit they're (DD50s) a much nicer connector, though.
>
>-tony
>
Received on Wed May 26 1999 - 19:26:58 BST