Raytheon Flex - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Elk-ECE56
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 03:05:04 pm
content: I have a Raytheon 2000AS 160 x 120 that works well, however I was curious what the orange flex cable is actually called, I would like to know in case it breaks in use. Any help would be appreciated.

author: JackJones
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 03:19:02 pm
content: I don't know if there is a more official name, but colloquially those are called "flat flex".

author: Elk-ECE56
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 03:20:48 pm
content: Thank you, I knew that much but I was just wondering if I could find these online and it looks like I can, I don't know how durable these are so I just wanted to make sure I could get another in case I ended up damaging it.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 03:22:12 pm
content: Usually called an FFC or FPC in spares catalogues.An example is here.....https://www.digikey.co.uk/product-detail/en/molex,-llc/0150150427/WM6669-ND/2827247?utm_adgroup=&mkwid=sil1SuSzx&pcrid=338007947702&pkw=&pmt=&pdv=t&productid=2827247&slid=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrqinuKC54QIVmK3tCh0CPAvJEAQYAiABEgLR3vD_BwEMost suppliers offer a range of conductor numbers, conductor pitches, lengths and orientations (normal or reversed)https://www.digikey.co.uk/products/en/cable-assemblies/flat-flex-ribbon-jumper-cables/457?utm_adgroup=Cable+Assemblies&mkwid=sbKzieMMp&pcrid=267270544242&pkw=&pmt=b&pdv=t&productid=&slid=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrqinuKC54QIVmK3tCh0CPAvJEAAYASAAEgIVZfD_BwEFraser

author: JackJones
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 03:29:31 pm
content: Ah, I knew I forgot something!One thing to note is that they can have contacts either at the top or bottom (or both). Of course if it's a straight cable it doesn't matter. But looking at the pics for Raytheon 2000 there is a kink in it so you would need to get it correct. A trap for young players!

author: Elk-ECE56
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 03:29:38 pm
content: Ah I see, I'll do some digging for the one I want, thanks for the resources Fraser.

author: Elk-ECE56
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 03:31:39 pm
content: So the 2000AS has contacts on both sides based off of that kink in it I assume?

author: JackJones
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 03:37:59 pm
content: I think it's more common to have connections only on one side. You'd have to check the cable which side they are on when/if you need to purchase a replacement.

author: Elk-ECE56
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 03:43:22 pm
content: I'll certain check it out when I need a replacement, but at the moment I think it's fine. The camera works however the cable looks to have some slight cosmetic damage which made me curious to find out where I could buy these.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 04:28:06 pm
content: Whilst it is very true that FFC type ribbon cables are liable to tear if abused, the ones used on the 2000AS are slightly more rugged than some. They will put up with some flexing but they dislike getting trapped in casing seams or under PCB’s where component leads can puncture their insulation. These 2000AS cores are quite elderly now so the FFC can suffer age related degradation in some cases and delaminates. Thankfully this is rare though. Treat the cable and it’s connectors with respect and you should be fine. Do not consider the 2000AS FFC a convenient flexing point in ‘moveable head’ camera case design though, it will fail over time if regularly flexed.Be very careful when opening and closing the latches on the FFC connectors. They break easily.From memory the 2000AS uses a single sided ‘normal’ orientation FFC. That is to say when laid flat, the contacts at both ends are present on one side of the ribbon only and both are exposed on the same side. Some of the conductors on the original FFC may be joined together to reduce resistance and increase current handling capacity. This may, or may not be an issue if you use a generic replacement FFC. Use a quality brand like MOLEX and not some cheap No Name Chinese FFC off of eBay. That way you will get decent copper content in the cable.Fraser

author: Elk-ECE56
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 04:47:08 pm
content: Ah, I reached out to SPI wholesale who had a 2000AS for sale, but in the pictures their flex cable looks different from mine so hopefully they could offer me some insight too, this camera won't be stationary so I am taking what you said into consideration, Thank you again for the help.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 04:54:15 pm
content: Good luck with SPi, I have yet to receive a response from emails I sent to them in the pastIn my experience they are not the most customer friendly of companies and sadly spares for an elderly 2000AS are likely to be rare and expensive. They were selling off whole 2000AS cores a while back, but only to USA customers.Fraser

author: Elk-ECE56
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 05:03:58 pm
content: I also just took the FFC out carefully, the contacts are only one side like Jack guessed they would be. But I've never dealt with SPI until today, I got this 2000AS from a seller on Ebay named texas_infrared who was pretty helpful IIRC he still has one for sale but I could be wrong.

author: Hyper_Spectral
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 06:01:42 pm
content: Wrapping the wire in some appropriate flexible tape will extend its life for some time. I've gotten 1-2 extra years out of cables by rewrapping near strain points

author: Elk-ECE56
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 07:09:53 pm
content: Any recommendations on flexible tape Hyper? Would electrical tape work?

author: Hyper_Spectral
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 07:17:23 pm
content: Sure, electrical tape can work I just dislike its tendency to unravel and leak "goo" all over the place. Some sort of thicker tape, even fabric infused tape, will be sufficient to take the strain off.There's a standard dark grey tape I use regularly and I believe it's a type of "gaffers" tape.

author: Elk-ECE56
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 11:03:08 pm
content: I'll have to try that out on mine thenThanks for the tip

author: Ultrapurple
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2019, 06:53:04 pm
content: Kapton tape is possibly your best bet. I would strongly recommend it over gaffer tape. It's not expensive, easily found on eBay and it's thin yet incredibly strong. When you get some you'll see it's quite like the flexible cable itself.Get a reel either the same width as the FFC or slightly wider. It's easy to cut with scissors, but cut it to shape / size before you stick them together. The adhesive is quite good and you won't want to risk damaging the FFC as you pull it off.Expect to pay US$5-10 for a reel that will probably last longer than you. Or you may be able to scrounge some from someone with a 3d printer: it's often used to line the print bed with a high performance disposable layer.

author: Bill W
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2019, 01:17:43 am
content: The orange flex is not an 'ordinary' FFC, it is actually a flexible circuit board built on a Kapton layer.These are commonly found on LCD panels and inkjet printers, they are simply the inner layer of a multilayer PCB without the rigid bits.They can be prone to fracturing so a bit of reinforcement is good as long as it does not concentrate the stresses.With the 150 or so 2000AS I am aware of building (mostly Argus 3) I do not recall any cable failures but do recall breakages of the connector on the detector or PCB end.The Raytheon 2000AS uses a similar flex PCB to mount the detector, so that one would not be replaceable.The more normal FFC is straight and white and is really a connector cable, hence 'Flat Flexible Cable'regardsBill

author: Elk-ECE56
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2019, 09:44:01 pm
content: So I see what you are saying Bill, however the PCB is fine, it was just the cable. I am making a followup post as we speak as I got some new ribbon cables I ordered(Just in case) Which are far smaller than the current ribbon cable but for my purpose it will be fine. I am questioning if these would work though. Thank you.