This is kind of a tricky process, getting it all right. This is why I
suggest buying it instead of trying to make it. Buut, if you really wanna
know how to do it, here is how I make them.
Note: Be very careful about the kind of IDC connectors you buy. There are
two kinds, and one kind will cause all your pairs of wires to be swapped!
You want pin 1 of the DB-25 to match up with pin 1 of the dual row IDC
connector.
Step 1
First, you need the two IDC connectors, some ribbon cable, and a press
of some kind. I use this arbor press, but a vice might work. You most
likely cannot use pliers or a hammer!!! These connectors must have a
steady even pressure or else they won't make reliable connections.
I use the press and a piece of metal on top of the connector to get this.
Step 2
Next, you put the wire into the DB-25 so that the stripe is facing pin 1, and
the wire exits the bottom. Note: I didn't have 25 wire ribbon cable so I used
what I had and it takes 2 pieces. This makes things a tad trickier, so try for
25 pin if possible.
Step 3
Then, you carefully position it on the arbor press so that the wires don't move
before you have a chance to squash the connector! Be very sure that the wire
is perfectly riding in the grooves on the connector. Then, you squash the connector
which cuts thru the insulation and makes all the connections.
Step 4
Closeup. You can then use a knife to carefully trim the excess off (tho wire cutters
might work too)
Step 5
Bend the wire around and snap the cover on to complete this end. The wire should now
exit the top of the connector as shown (since it was folded over and clamped)
Step 6
Now, feed the wire through the dual row header as shown- Pin 1 on the header should
match up with the stripe. With the DB-25 sitting as shown, the dual row header's
openings for the pins should face down. A little extra cable out the back isn't a problem
since after it's squashed on, we can cut it off.
Step 7
Squash the connector, trim the excess wire off, and bend the wire around and put
a clamp on. That finishes up construction!
