Connector help? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Things
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2012, 02:34:54 am
content: Hey guys,Well over the weekend I pulled out my LCD projector. I moved a few months ago, and when I fired it up, it became quickly obvious that the colour alignment "or convergence" was off.Scrounging through the web, I found a free service manual for it, and discovered that to fix it, I'd have to extend 3 flex cables and 3 normal cables.So, I opened it up today and discovered that the 3 flex cables I have to extend are the actual LCD cables, and the other 3 (or possibly 4) are the ballast, fan, power and some temp sensor looking thing.So, my question is, what are the proper names for these connectors, and how would you recommend I go about extending them?My first thoughts were that I think I've seen pre-made flex cables on places like eBay before, maybe I need to make up some small PCB's with 2 connectors back to back?EDIT: I believe the ribbon connectors are known as "FFC" or "FPC" connectors, but not sure about the actual cable connectors in the 2nd pic.So the connectors themselves are easy enough to get, but what about actual flex cable? Would I be better off maybe finding a few devices with such flex in it and cutting it down to size maybe?EDIT: Just found this:http://au.element14.com/molex/15166-0427/jumper-ffc-0-5mm-50mm-40way/dp/2096087They have a 36way too, but it's expensive and only 30mm long. I could simply cut the extra 4 conductors off this?Cheers,Dan

author: johnwa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2012, 05:57:29 am
content: I don't suppose there is any chance of getting the adjustment right by trial and error with it powered off? Perhaps if you very carefully mark the original position, and make very small adjustments?I have just been though something similar with my own projector. There was an intermittent fault in the ballast, and you have to remove the main board to get to it, with about 13 of those miserable little connectors. I must have taken it apart and put it back together at least 10 times, each time worrying that I would end up breaking it permanently. They are not exactly designed for ease of service.

author: Things
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2012, 06:20:43 am
content: There isn't really any accurate way of adjusting them while its off, as the LCD's are simply screwed down with a small handle out the top for adjustment. Would really have to do it with the power on or I'll probably just make it worse

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2012, 06:43:46 am
content: In the 2nd pic, the connector on the left looks like a JST 2.5mm pitch crimp housing, which you can get from RS components. Their web site is a bit broken right now, but search for JST 5 pin connectors and there aren't too many to choose from. You need to order the housings, headers and crimps all individually. The terminals can be soldered rather than crimped if you have a steady hand.The flex cable will need careful measurement to ensure you get the right type, but here's a good starting point:http://uk.farnell.com/ffc-fpc-flat-flex/cable-assembly-type/ffc-fpc/pg/110056883

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2012, 07:01:19 am
content: Quote from: Things on September 19, 2012, 06:20:43 amHow about rigging some string to the handle so you can pull it around in different directions from the outside while the unit is still assembled? You may be able to use some of the existing screws/pillars as pulleys and exposed screws as a sort of winch to make fine adjustments.