[sdiy] IDC connector reliability?

[John Speth]

> What is your opinion on IDC connectors and reliability? I'm wanting to
use
> these to carry power, audio and control voltages between boards to save
some
> time wiring and make things a bit cleaner.
>
> I do see that there are gold plated options, but I'd really like to hear
> about the long term reliability of these connections in actual use.

While the long term reliability is evident in the billions of computers
that have been in use for decades, I have personal story that shows the
downside: I recently resurrected a 1985 vintage PC.  It had one problem
after booting.  The floppy drive no longer worked because the double row
IDC connector contacts had lost their spring pressure because of the
decades of pressure on the contact.  A few plug-ins/removals and it
started working again.  I doubt it would survive a ride in a car without
having to reseat it.

It's a long well known problem about springs in general: They lose their
force over time under compression.  I suppose how badly depends on the
material used.

Fortunately most consumer grade equipment will not be in service for
decades.

JJS