James Newtons Massmind wrote:
>> OK, how about using 1/2 a 14 pin DIL IC socket ... 
> 
> Now that is a truly interesting idea... How do you keep the thing together?
> Solder the cable to the pins and somehow insulate? I don't see how to slid
> any heat shrink onto the joint... Perhaps cover in potting compound or
> silicon rubber?

You might try SolderSleeves:

<http://www.mouser.com/search/refine.aspx?Ntt=650-CWT1501>

A quick way to solder a wire to a pin with insulation.

Then again, they're probably too expensive for the target price.

There are a bunch of other products described in the datasheet linked 
from that page, though, that might help.
-- 
Timothy J. Weber
http://timothyweber.org
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