Connector question

[Adam]

Hi, all. I was wondering if anyone here had any tips on how to disconnect a connector like the one shown in the pictures below. It's the type of connector used between the amp modules in my IPS-1 and the front CCA.

At the top and bottom of the side shown in the first picture, there are slits in the board-side connector and risers on the cable-side connector that lock the connectors together. I'm guessing that I'm supposed to apply pressure to the central area of the connector on the side, but it's a bit difficult getting my hand down in there and applying pressure, so I'm wondering if there's an easy way. I don't want to accidentally rip the mating connector off the board, so I wanted to ask you all before I get impatient and just pull.

The second picture shows the connector from the other side.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

. . . .

 

[BMXTRIX]

Hi, all. I was wondering if anyone here had any tips on how to disconnect a connector like the one shown in the pictures below. It's the type of connector used between the amp modules in my IPS-1 and the front CCA.

At the top and bottom of the side shown in the first picture, there are slits in the board-side connector and risers on the cable-side connector that lock the connectors together. I'm guessing that I'm supposed to apply pressure to the central area of the connector on the side, but it's a bit difficult getting my hand down in there and applying pressure, so I'm wondering if there's an easy way. I don't want to accidentally rip the mating connector off the board, so I wanted to ask you all before I get impatient and just pull.

The second picture shows the connector from the other side.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

. . . .

Generally, those connectors are scary as heck, but I've always just pulled on them VERY firmly and the wires have not come out but the connector has come apart properly. I've done this in probably half a dozen different devices with similar results, and similar scary as heck factor.

I gotta say, it doesn't get easier as time goes by because I don't do it enough and am not familiar with the quality of construction of everyones components.

 

[jamie2112]

Adam I have used a fuse puller to take out those types of connectors...you know the little plastic tongs you can buy at a auto parts store.You can also get a tool at a computer store as well I am sure........come to think of it the tool was home made by one of the guitar techs for pulling fuses out of amps and fixing stuff on an AKAI mpc sampler that he seemed to fix every day....I dont know that you can buy that.My problem is my hand is too big to get into some of the places I need to fix so I end up taking the whole board out most of the time.As BMX said you really just need to get a firm grip and pull.If you notice there is ann indentation where the plastic joint fits in.There is a small boot (plastic burr) to secure the connector.Just be careful ,you could use a set of needle nose plyers very carefully,it will give you the leverage you need I think...good luck buddy

 

[Adam]

Thanks, you two! I appreciate the input.

Needle nose pliers is probably the second thing that I tried, but after trying a bit, I decided that I didn't want to risk slipping and scratching the metal case of the amp module.

I'm going to try to slip a small screwdriver into the top and another one into the bottom to move the locking tabs out away from the locking pins.

It's probably not worth it, but now that I've made up my mind to take a module out...it must be done.

 

[Alex2507]

Recently I bought a set of those dental pick looking tools from my local electronics shop.
They are actually this:

http://shop.willyselectronics.com/browse.cfm/4,1626.html

They were cheaper locally. I have been using the piss out of them to disconnect stuff in the rec'rs that I am playing with. There is a spot at the base of your connection that you could slip a scraper edge into to pry apart while using the hook to get the slit pulled up from the riser.

I see you mentioned a small screw driver.
The small precision eyeglass screw divers would work but that pick set is the balls.

 

[Adam]

Thanks, Alex!

[I'll remove that "thanks" later on temporarily when it's time. You know why. ]

 

[Adam]

Got it! Thanks.

What ended up working for me was to pull a bit on the connector, create a small hairline gap at the base, and then gently spread that gap using my smallest screw driver...working up to a slightly larger screw driver until it popped loose of the tabs.

[Alex - I know that you want to, but don't. ]

 

[Alex2507]

I wouldn't dream of it ...