We decided on the ribbon cable after having tested a unit for 5 years in an aircraft with high vibration with zero issues (yes, 5 years).
You need nothing more than a bench vice (see manual on the ECB with pictures). Quick, simple and in fact very reliable. There are few electronic systems out there that do not have some or other variant of this connector type internal. I think it is fairly safe to say that good quality connectors and cable from reputable sources are in fact excellent. We are not talking about the materials and tolerances used in the 1980's when these first became available - and in those days where indeed somewhat iffy.
Also, we are using the connector type that comes with the strain relief clip. That serves two purposes: No movement whatsoever makes it to the actual crimp connection and, using the clips (or "ears") you can see in the picture the connector is firmly held in place - but yet easy to remove if you ever need to.
The main advantage is assembly speed when compared to a DB25 (which would be the required size) - and if you where to choose a flat cable crimp type it would be exactly the same type of connection...
In the end we also had to choose something that was compact but not fiddly. The ECB had to be as small as possible.
As one poster mentioned, the idea is to split the ribbon cable into groups of 4 conductors (very easy to do - just pull). That goes into any hole. We use 4 conductors per breaker (unless you join breakers). One is ground, one for the switch and either one or two to drive status and fault LEDs depending on how you would like this to operate.
Matching connectors are also available in a non-crimp type if you need to use teflon wire so this is not really an issue - you have a lot of choice.
No, we do not have plans to add flap, trim etc. This is not intended to be a VPX competitor but a simple electronic version of a circuit breaker. I only allowed some indulgence by adding wigwag and a strobe flasher.
Our EFIS systems have all of the flap and trim functionality as part of the EFIS infrastructure so we do not need duplication here.
No, there is no compatibility to any other product. The concept is too different to try and squeeze this into an existing protocol. In any case, we use the CAN bus to connect to an EFIS. It does support a full function RS232 port as well and the protocol is available to anyone that cares. This is not used with our systems but available for third party use.
Also remember that this is also intended to be a stand-alone system so it in fact does not need an EFIS at all. Connecting it to an EFIS is just a nice bonus.
As in the past, I have no idea on pricing in countries other than my own and have zero influence. This is up to local distributors.
I can only list the end user price in Southern Africa as that is my domain.
Including 14% sales taxes it is R3418.00 and a matching switch kit is R846 (Dual color leds, chromed bezel, PCB, panel switch, 4 way connectors x 10).
Using the todays exchange rate that is $274 and $68.
Please note that typical prices in other countries are higher and in some cases much higher depending on costs. Please contact your local distributor for pricing in your country.
Rainier
CEO MGL Avionics
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snowflake
Really? You can cut ribbon cable with scissors, and crimp the connector with a vise. It's pretty darned easy. However, they also are prone to making poor connections if subjected to movement or vibration, which makes them a poor choice for an aviation connector... IMHO.
I love the basic idea though... I'm already wondering if it might form the basis of a panel-redesign, if I can use a better connector...
As for routing though, take a look at what people making PC's do with ribbon cables. Rolling them into a round cable and running it through a cable sheath works rather well.
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MGL Avionics: New ECB
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