DB15 connectors- 2 different arrangements?

I go to radio shack to get some db15s and i'm surprised to see them in a different config than what I thought.

the ones at radio shack are 15 pins arranged in 3 rows, and the neo geo style one is 15 pins arranged in 2 rows! This sucks!

anyways, where can I get some db15 that are in two rows- preferably ones with crimp on pins instead of solder type.

you can get them at a real electronics supply store or online.

just get solder cup terminals. Just learn to solder them. It will save you much heartache and problems....

I wrote a guide on how to solder these a while back. you can search for it.

thanks for the info! you got any recommendations for online stores? is pacific cable good?

I don't have any problems soldering, I just like the pins cause if I screw up I can easily swap pins and don't need to break the soldering iron out again.

The DB15 you purchased are actually HDB-15 connecotrs. Just means high density or something of that sort i think. As you probably know these plugs are typically used for monitors, vga ports, etc.

A crimpd connection is much much more likely to cause a problem than a soldered one.

Hey,
I have a few suggestions.
Just go to an electronics store instead of online for your parts. Don't do Radio Shack, either. I find better cheaper stuff elsewhere anyway.
If you're in Chicago, that's a dense enough area to have several really good electronics stores. Browse and ask the people who work there. Part of the fun of this is shopping around and learning what is what and what you like.

The soldering will take practice so get extra parts, it's usually cheaper that way anyhoo. It turns out pretty fun too.

Also I found something for the DB15 connectors to mount in. They're plate wallmounts like an on/off light switch. I put some in on my enclosure. I think they look cool. They're a solution to cutting a perfect hole in your enclosure, which is relatively hard to do. My whole setup should be done soon, so keep an eye out, if it works....

Tsubaki said:

Hey,
I have a few suggestions.
Just go to an electronics store instead of online for your parts. Don't do Radio Shack, either. I find better cheaper stuff elsewhere anyway.
If you're in Chicago, that's a dense enough area to have several really good electronics stores. Browse and ask the people who work there. Part of the fun of this is shopping around and learning what is what and what you like.

The soldering will take practice so get extra parts, it's usually cheaper that way anyhoo. It turns out pretty fun too.

Also I found something for the DB15 connectors to mount in. They're plate wallmounts like an on/off light switch. I put some in on my enclosure. I think they look cool. They're a solution to cutting a perfect hole in your enclosure, which is relatively hard to do. My whole setup should be done soon, so keep an eye out, if it works....

Click to expand...

Did you find those mounts at a regular store like home depot or something? Sounds like a great idea, cause I don't have a jigsaw to cut rectangular style holes for the db15. I don't want to sit there with a chisel for an hour.

I know I can find a store around chicago, but I'm too lazy. Pacific cable sells 10 packs of db15s for 3 bucks! Thats crazy! crimp and solder syles available!

I got my wall plates at Fry's electronics. Each one takes one DB15.
The cool thing is that they're actually made for DB15's. I saw some at Kiesub's electronics ( a store in Vegas, but they have a website: www.kiesub.com) that had two slots for two DB15's on one wall mount plate, totally perfect for joystick ports. It would look cleaner, too. Remember though, you still have to cut a hole, dude. It just doesn't have to be perfect.

oh, one more thing I forgot.
I got a 10 pack of DB15's from Fry's for $1.99.
No shipping cost either.

I'd just like to add that the company Greenlee makes a punch that cuts out the shape for mounting a DB-15 connector... they are expensive, though, and I believe are designed only for use with metal. Still may be something to consider.

RiotoftheBlood said:

I'd just like to add that the company Greenlee makes a punch that cuts out the shape for mounting a DB-15 connector... they are expensive, though, and I believe are designed only for use with metal. Still may be something to consider.

Click to expand...

I'll just add that the db15 punches are VERY expensive But really they are the best solution. They are indeed for working in metal but i dont see why you couldn't use them in plastic - though it might might hte plastic crap or warp.

I found that using a dremel tool to get a basic shape of the db15 hole and finishing the work up with a file worked very well, although it is time consuming.

all the solutions you guys posted are great.

since I'm making my housing out of mdf, what I'm going to do is drill a hole to the width of the db15 connector- then use wood filler/putty to cover up the top and bottom of the hole. Sand it and putty it once more, and it will look seamless.

Or i could just get a jigsaw...