Replacement Cable for Trinity will not lock into port

[Thrill-Ride]

The replacement cable I've waited 10 days for showed up yesterday, and while it seems to function more consistently than the original, there now is the issue that the locking tangs on the connector to the Trinity will not engage. What is the deal?

[mikel]

I have noticed that the new connector needs to go in a little sideways so it clicks on the right side first, then the left side will click in as well, but it is a tight fit.

[Thrill-Ride]

No ifs, ands, or buts..., I promise you, should I push hard enough to seat the left tang something WILL break. I've tried all manner of techniques to get the tangs both seated at the same time. So what now?

[duster360]

While the cable takes a bit of getting used to, i've not had much an issue with it. When I first got it I remmember having some issues seating both clips.

Since the Trininty's Monitor and Dataloging has been so troublsome, I have to remove and reconnect the cable to reboot. Often while driving.(6-8 times last night on the way home ) Unfortunately I've gotten pretty good at it.

I've had better luck squeezing pin release buttons as I'm first inserting the connector. Once its inserted I release the buttons and it snaps right in.

With a little patience and practice its easy.

[Thrill-Ride]

I guess it could be the critical tolerances, I'm out in Phoenix and it's been consistently 110+ and everything has expanded with the heat, so I guess that might be a factor..., although I suspect that anyone else in similar "temperate zones" (i.e.: Texas, Florida, etc.) would be having the same issue.
It just won't clip in without some type of physical "clearancing" taking place. Somethings got to give.

[Thrill-Ride]

Since the Trininty's Monitor and Dataloging has been so troublsome, I have to remove and reconnect the cable to reboot. Often while driving.(6-8 times last night on the way home ) Unfortunately I've gotten pretty good at it.

Sounds like you've got the "old" cable with those issues.

[mikel]

I generally hold the unit in my hands, upside down, and use my pointer fingers to snap the plug into the trinity ince it is lined up properly.

[Thrill-Ride]

Mike, my wife is constantly complaining about the severity of my "G.I. Joe Kung Fu Grip"; if I can't get this connector to seat, no one will (without something breaking; probably the Trinity housing). I don't want to take a chance. I was very forceful with it already. I'd be glad to send this unit back in exchange for a new one if you feel this issue is limited to this particular device. If you can get the cable to seat, then I guess the unit can be redistributed; I'm tired of F@#%* with it. At $800.00, I want to be able to play with my investment, not battle it.

[Ill_Born_SS]

Just a thought, Have you tried to put the cable inside the freezer for an hour or so and then install it.

[Thrill-Ride]

Just a thought, Have you tried to put the cable inside the freezer for an hour or so and then install it.

I'll give it a try just out of curiosity..., but really, what gives?

I 've read a few threads about this issue, but I thought the new cable was the remedy. The Monitoring and Logging work a lot better..., until the cable connector vibrates loose.

So, is it the cable? Or is it the port on the Trinity itself?

[duster360]

So, is it the cable? Or is it the port on the Trinity itself?

The over molding on my connector is just barely contacting the Trinity enclosure when its fully seated and snapped in. If the contact was another .005" in the wrong direction I doubt my cable would completely connect. I've designed several electronic module/cable interfaces and imo the contact tolerance is just too close to allow a reliable connection.

If it were my design, I'd modify the tooling for the over mold to allow another .01"-.02" gap between the enclosure and the connector.

I think a tool change to the connector would be the least painless of modifications because a board layout would probably cost more, the CBA placement in the enclosure can't move far enough, and a tooling change to the enclosure die would also be more costly and potentially hurt the aesthetics.

[gizmodo]

I agree, but I looking at the connectors on the cable I would bet DS doesn't actually make those. The connectors used for both the beta and production cables look exactly like connectors available here: http://www.chargeconverter.com/shop/connector.htm

[duster360]

I agree, but I looking at the connectors on the cable I would bet DS doesn't actually make those. The connectors used for both the beta and production cables look exactly like connectors available here: http://www.chargeconverter.com/shop/connector.htm

That would suck if they don't have design control over the connector.

That would mean any change would have to come from the enclosure or the board.

[Thrill-Ride]

Here, check out this pic!