Mac OS 9 Lives

General => Community Marketplace => Topic started by: Knezzen on March 18, 2014, 04:57:15 AM

Title: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: Knezzen on March 18, 2014, 04:57:15 AM
Hi!

Im searching far and wide for a 10-node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable. Used to hook up MIX Core and Farm cards with each other.

Post if you have one laying around or know where I can find one!

Thanks!
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: Syntho on March 19, 2014, 07:45:52 AM
I've never understood how a 10-node works. As far as I know only 7 cards can be used at any given time and I think there's a 7-node cable out there. But a 10 node?
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: Knezzen on March 19, 2014, 07:51:16 AM
I've never understood how a 10-node works. As far as I know only 7 cards can be used at any given time and I think there's a 7-node cable out there. But a 10 node?

They never did make a 7-node from what I know. You can have more than 7 MIX cards, but digidesign don't support it officially. The last 3 nodes on a 10-node cable can be connected to the older DSP Farm cards (since they don't use alot of bandwidth) or Samplecell TDM cards.

EDIT: Sorry, there was a 7-node cable as well :)
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: Syntho on March 19, 2014, 08:11:37 AM
I'm not sure i'll ever go over 4 cards or so. The maximum number of I/O as far as I know is 72, and that'll take eight 888|24s, eight digi cables, and four Y cables for 64 I/O, plus an additional 888|24 and a digi cable to make it 72. That'll run off of 5 Mix cards.

After that, it's just farms/samplecell for more power.
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: Knezzen on March 19, 2014, 02:03:11 PM
Cable no longer needed. I built my own from some old PATA cables and the connectors from two 5-node cables.
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: Protools5LEGuy on March 19, 2014, 06:23:17 PM
Cable no longer needed. I built my own from some old PATA cables and the connectors from two 5-node cables.
You are a bold one.
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: Knezzen on March 20, 2014, 12:15:08 AM
You are a bold one.

Not really. I don't gamble, so I tripple-checked everything before I tried it out. And it works! At least all the cards are visible and they pass digitest.
Got too late last night, so I didn't want to continue and test out Pro Tools. Might do that tonight, though.

I can probably make cables for anyone who was in the same situation as me. Just speak up ;)
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: Syntho on March 20, 2014, 12:29:27 AM
I make all of my own cables so if the situation where I'd need more than a 5-node arises, I'd build my own.

Are the cables using just standard IDE cable stock? I've never done an IDE-type cable, but from what I remember you have to use the connector to clamp down on the cable with a vise.
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: Knezzen on March 20, 2014, 12:37:31 AM
I make all of my own cables so if the situation where I'd need more than a 5-node arises, I'd build my own.

Are the cables using just standard IDE cable stock? I've never done an IDE-type cable, but from what I remember you have to use the connector to clamp down on the cable with a vise.

Yep!, the kind with really small cables, not the older 40-cable ribbon cable. I think the newer ones have 80 cables.
The MDD has these type of PATA cables stock for instance.
Count the cables and rip of a part of the ribbon cable so you just have 60 wires instead of 80.

Then just clamp the digidesign connectors to it, tripple check everything as you move along and you should be good to go.
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: acelera on November 02, 2014, 09:34:20 AM
Hi,

Newbie board member here that's finally been lured into going all the way back to OS9 and a loud-as-**** MDD Dual 1.2Ghz, a PCI Digidesign chassis, some Mix Farms and a (broken :( ) Mix Core, a couple of 888/24s, Logic 6.x on my almost forgotten xsKey - I REALLY don't get on with Logic 9 or X,v very well)...

My 5 node cable has seen better days - I got the above as a package and it was a fairly OK deal apart from the Core packing up - and I would really love a 10 node cable as I have 3 farms, a Samplecell II TDM and I am looking for 1-2 more Mix Farms and obviously a Mix Core.

If your offer is still up, I'd love a cable but would also oblige to reimburse for the trouble involved + postage.

it's very exciting going back 10 years in time to an era where the technology did not get in the way :)

Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: Knezzen on November 02, 2014, 11:24:55 AM
Hi acelera!

I can make you a cable, no problem. I just need to source the connectors. The easiest would probably be to buy two 5-node cables and make the 10-node from those. Do you have any connectors I can use if im going to make you a 10-node cable? :)

BTW, in wich country do you live? Just curious so I can calculate shipping.

Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: acelera on November 02, 2014, 01:04:51 PM
Hi!  :)

Work in the UK but live in Spain and that's where I have my studio too. I do have a 5 node cable.

Thank you so much!!

Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: acelera on November 05, 2014, 11:59:01 PM
I have just purchased 3 more 5-node cables. At least, this means I'll have enough connectors!

Suppose it will take a couple of weeks for them to arrive so patience is really a virtue in OS9-world :)
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: UnSoNiC on November 20, 2014, 06:13:31 AM
Hello,

I have a Apple G4 (model M8570 EMC 1914) with Sonnet Encore/ST 2*1,8Ghz processor, 2 Go RAM, Mac OS 10.3.9, Pro Tools 6.4.1, a Magma P13R 13 pci slots expansion chassis, 1 Mix Core, 6 Mix Farm and 3 DSP Farm but I only have a 7 node ribbon cable.
As everybody in here, impossible to find a 10 node cable.
So my question is, are you ok to make one for me?
Just tell me how does it costs and i'll pay you for materials + your work + shipping cost.

I live in Belgium

Thank you
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: supernova777 on November 20, 2014, 06:25:59 AM
(http://worthopedia.s3.amazonaws.com/images/thumbnails2/1/0311/14/1_df7a0c701de502b7658e4f5d18ca6f2e.jpg)

someone probably has a box full of these things sitting on a shelf somewhere
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: RTIInstaller on June 08, 2015, 09:26:49 PM
(http://worthopedia.s3.amazonaws.com/images/thumbnails2/1/0311/14/1_df7a0c701de502b7658e4f5d18ca6f2e.jpg)

someone probably has a box full of these things sitting on a shelf somewhere

This post references the ability to make your own Node cables but does not define the process of actually doing it, like what tools do you need etc? 

I have multiple node cables and desperately need to build a 7 node for my chassis, I am pretty handy with tools and wiring, how about a few more details, such as-
 how do you get the connectors apart without breaking the pins?
How do you put the connectors back together, will any ribbon tool work?
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: mrhappy on June 09, 2015, 05:31:43 AM
I've never taken one apart so you'll have to wait for Knezzen's reply as he's taken them apart without breaking them!  ;D
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: supernova777 on June 09, 2015, 05:55:44 AM
yeah they seem to krimpthe cable to make contact..
someones got to make them still somewhere in the world
what would really be of use like he said is to find the related tools to do teh job
+ parts
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: mrhappy on June 09, 2015, 07:00:32 AM
The connector has 30 contacts and the ribbon cable has 60 conductors.
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: mrhappy on June 09, 2015, 07:04:41 AM
FOUND IT!!!!

http://www.bo.infn.it/cms/mutrigger/RegTrg/BSDataSheets/8825-8830_kel_connectors.pdf
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: mrhappy on June 09, 2015, 07:19:06 AM
Looks like it's the 8825E... they call it 60 contact as there are contacts on both side where it's inserted... thus- '060'
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: mrhappy on June 09, 2015, 08:22:15 AM
Recommended cable : #30 AWG (7/0.102), 0.635mm pitch, PVC, Flat ribbon cable
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: Knezzen on June 09, 2015, 08:37:21 AM
I just use an electronics screw driver (a really, really small one) to carefully pry the top of the connector off and expose the pins.

I then count the small cables on the TDM ribbon cabe and use an old 80pin PATA cable in stead of the original TDM cable. They have the same cable spacing as the TDM connector pins.
I remove the excess cables that's not needed from the PATA cable.

I can't remember from the top of my head how many pins the TDM cable has. IIRC is around 50.

I then made a small cradle to keep the cable centre over the connector, so the crimping (correct word?) would be spot on. I then pressed it together with a carpenters vice.

Repeat 10 times or so, and then you have your TDM cable ;)
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: mrhappy on June 09, 2015, 09:25:42 AM
I'm lovin' Knezzen's method and attitude! I'm picturing Knezz in a big cowboy hat, smoking a fat cigar ...

"I don't need no stinking' 30 AWG (7/0.102), 0.635mm pitch, PVC, Flat ribbon cable... just give me a pair of pliers and a wire coat hanger and I'll make your cable in the car while I'm driving to the gig, in between texts of coarse, and I probably won't even spill my beer!"  Haha! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: Knezzen on June 09, 2015, 09:40:53 AM
I need to add that it's fucking hard work to do this.

Making a 10 node cable takes around 2 hours if you want to do it properly.
If you screw up ONE connector (mostly connector number 6 if you're making a 7 node cable) you're fucked and need to start all over again.

Anyone can do this. Rape some old PC tower for 80pin PATA cables, and buy a shitload of cheap and used TDM cables off eBay and you're set :)
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: mrhappy on June 09, 2015, 10:43:30 AM

Anyone can do this.

We'll see about that, when I give it a try!! Haha! ;D
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: mrhappy on June 09, 2015, 10:46:23 AM
Rape some old PC tower for 80pin PATA cables

I think I just found a 'Donor'! ;D
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: Syntho on June 10, 2015, 01:12:06 AM
Do you guys seriously need that much horsepower in your rig? I guess it's just fun to max out everything  ;D

I've still got only a single Mix Core in my rig. I'm gonna get 3 Mix Farms for it and call it a day for that system. I'd also like to get a PT rig on my other Powermac, but I'll worry about that later once this one is done.
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: mrhappy on June 10, 2015, 04:43:30 AM
I think you need AT LEAST 5 Mix cards!😁
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: supernova777 on June 10, 2015, 07:38:26 AM
lol..  mrhappy ur crackin me up  ;D
knezzen .. lol
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: DieHard on June 10, 2015, 04:43:18 PM
From Knez...
Quote
I need to add that it's fucking hard work to do this.
OMG, first time I ever heard him curse, it must be hard... either that or me and Chris have finally lowered him to our gutter talk... ;D
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: acelera on June 11, 2015, 01:37:38 AM
I think you need AT LEAST 5 Mix cards!😁

I have six  ;D
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: mrhappy on June 11, 2015, 06:34:30 AM

I have six  ;D
[/quote]

You're on the right track then Acelera!! Haha! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: Knezzen on June 11, 2015, 11:16:17 AM
I think you need AT LEAST 5 Mix cards!😁

I have six  ;D

I have 7 in use in the same system, 4 more on the shelf for a future build ;)
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: mrhappy on June 11, 2015, 11:05:51 PM
I'm using 5 now and have 3 more waiting to be installed... my chassis holds 7 so I'll have a spare core. ;D
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: Trace-Elliot on January 26, 2016, 03:04:10 PM
i need a 10 Node Cable too .... If some have one for sale .... 8)
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: MacOS Plus on January 26, 2016, 07:31:11 PM
I'd like one too, but first I really need the longest cable for Nubus.  I'm not keen on ripping apart and re-building the two short ones I have.
Title: Re: Wanted: 10-Node Digidesign TDM ribbon cable
Post by: mrhappy on January 27, 2016, 05:46:25 AM
They DO pop up once in awhile so you have to keep your eyes open!! I found a 10 and a 13 node this past year! ;D  Moving from 5 to 7 mix cards made a fairly substantial difference for me.