Olimex Connector

Guest · Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2005 9:26 pm

Is there a converter from the phone plug type connector on the Mach X to the Olimex connector on so many prototype boards? I suppose I could make one, but I'd rather just order one.
Thanks.

PCM programmer · Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Posts: 21708

Guest · Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2005 3:09 pm

Thanks, but I did use google, and like you, found the same sites. What I am looking for, and have not been able to find is a phone jack to Olimex female connector that will fit on the male connector on the board.

PCM programmer · Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Posts: 21708

Can you provide a link to a website with a photo of the Olimex board,
that shows the connector ?

MGP · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 57

PCM programmer -- it's a 0.1" Molex KK style header with locking ramp.

I use zillions of them in my designs (have had the hand crimper for mating pins for a long time). I've always hated the RJ-style connector that Microchip (and consequently most 3rd party tool makers like CCS) chose for the ICSP/Debug connector. It's bulky and not all that reliable. The RJ cables are a pain to work with and you can only use fine gauge wire with them unless you use cat3 or cat5 cable and the appropriate connectors and even then you are still stuck with a bulky connector on your PCB or one that can't be breadboarded because of the weird pin spacing.

For all my PIC designs I am now using the adapter board from Sparkfun referenced in the earlier post. I then make a transition cable from the Molex KK connector to whatever connector I put on my target board. For the past couple years I've been using Hirose 2mm connectors as they are much smaller, inexpensive and reliable. I have the crimping tool for the pins ($$$) but Digikey sell pre-terminated wires so it's very possible for hobbyists to assemble their own cables. I also use 1.25mm or 1mm connectors for ICSP/Debug when space on the target board is even tighter. Using a stadard adapter board with a transition cable for the particular target board makes this easy to do.

I do the same thing for my MSP430 designs also as it has the same issues with it's JTAG interface -- a 14 pin dual row .1" header that is huge.

Sorry for the somewhat OT long winded rant but I have always hated those @#$% RJ-style connectors.