Docking Connectors?

What is the deal with docking connectors? I've seen Rob imply that there's no possible source, but that's all I've found. What's the long winded "VH1: Behind The Docking Connector; The Inside Story" explanation?

I've actually got an extra sled that I'm not usuing at the moment, but it seems like it'd be nice to be able to get extra docking connectors for various projects.

Matthew

The deal is that they're Hirose connectors, and are not sold through any useful distribution that we found. The pins are designed to be crimped with a special tool, and the minimum order was something like 1000 connectors (as they had to actually make a run for us - they had none in stock).

Not friendly for hobbyist use. You may be able to find a Hirose reppresentative who has some samples though, this is probably the best bet. ISTR it's a QR/P6 24 way.

Hugo

I was actually looking into finding a replacement for the docking connector. Turns out that these connectors are really expensive anyway.

There's one in the RS catalogue which looks like it should work with a little metal work. 447-106 and 447-112. Unfortunately they're also only 24 way connectors. It's £11.51 for the plug and £14.59 for the socket. This means a minimum of £37.61 to replace the socket already on the empeg and for two plugs.

I bought another sled in the end and unscrewed the plug from it. I left all of the wires still attached in case I wanted to use it with the sled again. If you can afford to spend a little more then it's much easier to buy the sled.

- Trevor

Maybe we could all get together and put out a run of 1000 units?
I kow I would use 3 or 4 of them.
How much for 1000 ? and who do I contact ?