On Fri, 28 Jan 2005 17:04:26 -0500, M. Adam Davis wrote: > This is a sensor and display unit for a table saw. The sensor is under > 2"x2"x.5" and I need to find a suitable four conductor connector and > cable for the sensor end. I am likely to continue to use an RJ-11 for > the display. > > The cable will only need to the installed and removed a few times per > year, the primary requirements are a small flexible cable (such as those > used on computer mice), a small fairly robust connector, and a small > cost for both. The RJ-11 is too large at .5x.5.x75. What do you mean by robust and what sort of length do you need? Amp makes and Digikey sells (as a value-added item) "flat flex cable assemblies." (See http://dkc3.digikey.com/PDF/T051/0045.pdf ) Their catalog lists only up to 8" lengths, but my company ordered some a few dozen at ~36". So, you can probably get whatever length you need. They use a flexible thick-film cable with small connectors that byte the cable similar to IDC. The connectors have a locking tab. I've found the 4-conductor variety need to be tweaked a little with a screwdriver to make then easier to disconnect without frustration, but they do their job. The connector is about .25"x.25"x.5", but the the cable is flat and not round like a mouse cable (about 0.01" thick, 0.25" wide for 4-conductor). This means it can't do all sorts of crazy bends. I don't know what the life is if this is on a moving member and is going to flexed often. I could probably get a picture of one the cables on Monday, if you want. > Are there any good resources I should be looking at for these items? I > haven't found what I'm looking for at Digikey and a few other resources > - I'm hoping that in addition to some suggestions for particular > solutions I'll also get some contacts with companies I should look to > for these kinds of requests. I too find this difficult. A good connector can really add to the overall quality of a product, but it is very difficult to find a good one. I often go right to the Amp or Molex online catalog as most of their items seem to be available through Digikey, Mouser, or Allied, but not always. The community could really use something like a Connector-Wiki to catalog pictures, dimensions, and experiences with connectors. Bradley -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist