A replacement for the HP-41 zebra connector

[mfleming]

(04-06-2017 01:58 AM)Dave Frederickson Wrote:  Hi Mark,

The overall flex dimensions are 1.00" x 0.57". The length of the conductors is 0.52".
The elastomer dimensions are 1.00" x 0.40" x 0.07".

Hi Dave,

I could see a flex circuit with contacts at each end that match the width and pitch of the corresponding PCB contacts. A large keepout area around the contacts would allow them to wrap around the ends of the elastomer.

The flex circuit is a laminate of two sheets, and the conductor carrier sheet is actually pretty flexible. It should bend without much resistance. A little laminate left between conductive pads would provide a stiffer outward bow if needed. Think of the HP-41 I/O block flex and the way it connects to the keyboard PCB as an analogy.

It would be easier to visualize this with a flex at hand, so PM an address and I'll send you a sample. You might try cutting out a section of the contact area to test the fit and fold. If it looks feasible we'll see where it goes from there!

~Mark