Front panel header custom extention length.

[EmoChipmonk]

I'm looking at getting a bunch of momentary switches to turn on my pc among other things but I have some questions to see if this will even work.

 What kind of cable should I get? Preferably black but idk what Guage or what have toy I should get for this.

Length wise I think it will be a meter and a half at most that I will need. Will it carry the signal that far? Any tips?

 

The idea is to make a small panel on the edge of my desk that I can use to turn things on.

[EmoChipmonk]

8 hours ago, BillyGoat1776 said:

22, 24, 26 AWG are most common sizes for what you describe.  You can use solid core or stranded.  Attenuation could be an issue in longer runs...having said that...I'm always surprised how far voltage/signal travels.  Maybe test with a single switch first before you commit to the project   Good luck!

 

Edit: NTE is a decent brand for the cable....comes in several colors....including black

 

Any idea what the little rubber bit on the end of normal headers is? And a guide on how to do them properly?

[tkitch]

5 hours ago, BillyGoat1776 said:

It depends on the chassis, but 24 AWG is a safe bet.  Personally, when I make custom cables, I use 22 AWG for anything carrying voltage (up to 24 volts) and 24 or 26 AWG for signal wires (26 AWG, for example, is fine for PWM signal).....24 AWG is a happy medium and should work great for what you describe in your original post.

Proper installation depends on what kind of terminals are on your switch.  I usually solder anything I can and add a bit of heat shrink to insulate and protect the solder joint(s).  For anything I want to be able to remove, I use mini D-sub and heat shrink (solder is best imo)

 

Edit: Missed the part about 'the little rubber bit'....not sure what you mean, but sounds like the heat shrink, maybe post a pic of what you mean by 'the little rubber bit'....but it sounds like the heat shrink

Signal attenuation doesn't really matter on a switch / LED.  There's no signal integrity to really worry about.

 

I would personally buy a set of these, and then solder on the wire I want to use.

https://smile.amazon.com/NOYITO-Motherboard-Extension-Silver-Gold-Plated/dp/B07BVSL53R

 

[EmoChipmonk]

On 3/28/2021 at 11:07 AM, BillyGoat1776 said:

It depends on the chassis, but 24 AWG is a safe bet.  Personally, when I make custom cables, I use 22 AWG for anything carrying voltage (up to 24 volts) and 24 or 26 AWG for signal wires (26 AWG, for example, is fine for PWM signal).....24 AWG is a happy medium and should work great for what you describe in your original post.

Proper installation depends on what kind of terminals are on your switch.  I usually solder anything I can and add a bit of heat shrink to insulate and protect the solder joint(s).  For anything I want to be able to remove, I use mini D-sub and heat shrink (solder is best imo)

 

Edit: Missed the part about 'the little rubber bit'....not sure what you mean, but sounds like the heat shrink, maybe post a pic of what you mean by 'the little rubber bit'....but it sounds like the heat shrink

the little rubber bit is the thing that you use to hook on to the header on a motherboard.

[EmoChipmonk]

4 hours ago, BillyGoat1776 said:

I think you mean the 2-pin / 3-pin connectors?....like these?

 

You can find them just about any wholesale electronics retailer (web is your best chance).....or....junkyard!!!....just rip them out of the junked out cases....the crimps are usually mini D-Sub.

Hope this helps :-)....sounds like a fun project....post up some pics when ur done
 

I'm not 100% that's what ur looking for...but it sounds that way....if not...maybe snap a pic and post it up of what you mean

Good luck!

 

Edit: if that's what you are looking for....search "DUPONT 2.54 CONNECTOR" and you should find what you're looking for

This is the guy who inspired me. https://imgur.com/a/OKoOd