The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Technical Matters => Handy hints and tips => Topic started by: Marty Machine on December 12, 2009, 09:31:49 PM
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subject-line says it all...
Where do i get LONG lengths/rolls of braid-wire for under Playfield (GI) wiring?
A playfield i'm about to rebuild (Space Invaders) has it's original braid-wire (GI wiring) somewhat hacked and many sections missing.
I'm going to need some NEW braid, and a decent staple gun to rebuild the playfield upto scratch again.
Anyone know suppliers of the pre-tinned braid? and recommendations for the 'right' staple gun from local hardware store?
I don't mind if i have to buy it form O/Seas/ebay etc.
I figure there must be another use for it, it's gotta be somewhere other than pinball shops.
Should i even forget about using braid?, and just use a roll of decent guage tinned-copper wire? problems?
I know somebody will suggest de-solder wick, but it's raw copper and will corrode in time...
Thanx in advance,
MM.
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subject-line says it all...
Where do i get LONG lengths/rolls of braid-wire for under Playfield (GI) wiring?
A playfield i'm about to rebuild (Space Invaders) has it's original braid-wire (GI wiring) somewhat hacked and many sections missing.
I'm going to need some NEW braid, and a decent staple gun to rebuild the playfield upto scratch again.
Anyone know suppliers of the pre-tinned braid? and recommendations for the 'right' staple gun from local hardware store?
I don't mind if i have to buy it form O/Seas/ebay etc.
I figure there must be another use for it, it's gotta be somewhere other than pinball shops.
Should i even forget about using braid?, and just use a roll of decent guage tinned-copper wire? problems?
I know somebody will suggest de-solder wick, but it's raw copper and will corrode in time...
Thanx in advance,
MM.
I have used different types of shielded wire in the past such as coaxial antenna cable - stripped back and remove the outer earth and flatten it - Voila! tinned, flat braid at a reasonable price.
There are also suppliers of braid ready to use for making slot car tracks - start at Hornsby Slot Cars.
Good luck
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Yep, i considered slot-car braid (i'm a member of a slot forum too), i just thought it might be a bit of overkill, too wide for what i needed.
Even on the slot site the guys recommend stripping old tv/video cables for the braid.
I work in the TV broadcast industry, have access to loads of old video cable, and even i couldn't be stuffed stripping long lengths hehehe.
But, it's an avenue to contemplate.
Thanx,
MM.
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I researched this on RGP when I was rebuilding the HH. I have previously tried finding something when doing Asteroid Annie (and gavce up then). Came up with nothing proprietary around, saved for the strip something suggestions.
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Im planning on doin all of strikes and spares so if you come up with anything make sure you let me know even if we buy a roll and split the cost
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Marty,
I have around 7 playfields swaps to do in the distant future, and I will be buying a roll or two of the ground braid from here ;
http://www.pinrestore.com/Supplies.html (http://www.pinrestore.com/Supplies.html)
(about 1/3 of the way down)
I think sourcing a local air stapler is the go, but here;s what they have ;
http://www.pinrestore.com/Tools.html#AirStapler (http://www.pinrestore.com/Tools.html#AirStapler)
I will be using a hand stapler that we used to use to recloth Billiard Tables. It is an industrial type hand stapler.
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Dumb question: Do Stern still use braid?
If so - where are they buying it from?
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Ive been told 2 things...
Wotto tells me you can use de-soldering wire/braid and buy it in a roll...
and Andrew swears blind to use picture hanging wire...
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I have emailed olex cables oz - see if they come back with a local solution.
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I use the pinrestore stuff - but I don't have to ship it overseas, so I can appreciate wanting to find it locally!
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The pinrestore braid seems quite large 1/4" (6mm), and the braid under most playfields looks more like 3mm wide.
I recall the braid i found via the slotcar suppliers was in 3 or 4mm or 6mm, but once again O/seas.
Some local slot shops have it, but PRICEY, it's cheaper to import it yourself ;-)
Surely that braid must be used somewhere else? it's gotta be some kind of grounding strap at Electrical wholesalers, or somewhere similar?
I just know i'm gonna walk past it one day in a hardware/garden/auto/toy store, and it'll be a 10metre pack for $2.... #@#
It's gotta be out there......maybe Auto shops? Autobarn, supercheap etc???
Hmmm, searching, searching......
MM.
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Look at 'bare wire by the foot' beneath the rolls of braid - that's what you'd use on a playfield like that
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Look at 'bare wire by the foot' beneath the rolls of braid - that's what you'd use on a playfield like that
The 'bare wire by the foot' looks like the thin wire used on the BACKBOARD-GI wiring, instead of the wide-flat braid used on Playfields.
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and Andrew swears blind to use picture hanging wire...
Tried it - I couldn't get the solder to stick.
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and Andrew swears blind to use picture hanging wire...
Tried it - I couldn't get the solder to stick.
Rough it with emery first?
Marty: I'm with you - this stuff must be around somewhere? Tried Middy's?
I tried OLEX - must be someone else out there making cables in Aust?
One of our toolies used to work there - might see what contacts he still has...
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Cool, i pop into Middy's tomorrow (Mon) as they're about 1km up the road from me, also have another supplier in Richmond that i'll see tomorrow too.
If i can crack this, i'll be putting in a combined order to try and get some drums of the stuff for everyone who needs it.
MM.
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Cool, i pop into Middy's tomorrow (Mon) as they're about 1km up the road from me, also have another supplier in Richmond that i'll see tomorrow too.
If i can crack this, i'll be putting in a combined order to try and get some drums of the stuff for everyone who needs it.
MM.
sounds good Marty *%*
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I looked into the wires from your link Nino 20 foot of wire was going to be $15 shipping which sounded reasonable to me but ill wait and see how Martys mission pans out
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OK, partial update, i have some more places to visit tomorrow for the braids etc....
I went to Middendorps today, they weren't much good, anything other than power cable was out of the question.
Followed onto Bunnings, found some interesting wire and bought some small rolls for trial...
I found SOLID wire, in both .70mm and .90mm sizes, the next size was 1.25mm but would be too hard to bend around tight curves on a playfield.
I also found some picture-hanging wire, it has no size, just a weight rating, mine is 12kg-size. (it matched the sample playfield wire i took along).
For some reason the picture-wire is mainly GOLD in colour, anything silver was too thick (2-3mm, or plastic coated).
NOTE:
I measured my pinny wire (several samples from various playfields) they all seem to be .90mm guage.
The picture-wire (GOLD) measures as 1mm, which offers greater current capabilities while still being flexable to wrap around a playfield.
.70mm solid wire "Wire-Pak" cost $6.50 for 75metre roll.
(this is the only length available for this size)
.90mm solid wire "Wire-Pak" cost $6.50 for 50metre roll.
(this is also availble in 75metre & 100metre rolls - i think the 100metre roll was around $22 - CHEAP !)
Picture-Hanging wire "12kg - 3.6metre" cost $5.08 - this is available in a 20metre roll for about $25 - kinda pricey.
This wire is multi-stranded like the original pinny wire - although it has 7 strands (thicker) instead of 10strands in the pinny stuff (thinner guage).
The 3 wires soldered quite easily, with absolutely NO preparation, no flux, no sanding back, no alcohol (for the wire or me).
Here's 3 sample loops i quickly soldered up....can u tell i was bored? :lol
(http://www.retro-riders.com/pix/wire1.jpg)
Enjoy!
Marty.
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Good one Marty! ^^^
Be nice to track the right stuff - olex haven't deemed to get back to me as yet...
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Olex & Xmas, good luck ! !*!
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It was suggested to me at the time ( and I used ) de-soldering braid that you can buy CHEAP at Dick smiths etc ( in 2 mtr lengths I think )when I did the Time Warp playfield and , although it is thick and ugly - it did work.
However I have since been told that the picture hanging wire ,that I see you are already looking at as a possibility, is a good and also neater option.
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Multi strand too - less chance of cracking on a bend later down the track
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Well today wasn't much better.
I visited TITAN, NHP and VEALLS (All Electrical Wholesalers that my work deals with in Victoria).
None of them could help me with the stranded pinny wire/cable.
I did however grab a roll of 1mm SOLID copper wire for $33 for 100metre roll (my trade price).
The bummer is i have to strip it, but it might be worth the effort if nothing else is around.
It bends nicely and in very tight curves with no effort. (the bends in the photo are about 1cm curves).
I managed to solder the sample (pictured) in around 3 seconds with no preparation other than stripping the plastic off.
(the plastic is soft and cuts easy with art-knife, and slips off in long lengths nicely too).
The multistrand which was only available in 1.5mm doesn't have twisted stands along the length of cable, so you'd need to twist or solder the strands together every few cm's to keep it together....ugly !
I'm trying to find long rolls of this stuff but pre-tinned if possible, would be nicer than bare (corroding) copper.
(http://www.retro-riders.com/pix/1mm-solid.jpg)
I'll ring/visit a few more cable places tomorrow,,,,getting there...
Marty.
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If you wanted to go to the effort of stripping wire you can get silver speaker wire and strip that thats what i was going to do if i couldnt find anything suitable
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Isn't that harder to strip? i thought some of those 'monster' speaker wires were pretty solidly slealed/glued inside...
The search goes on.....
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How about these guys?
http://www.brimelectronics.com/BRAID-1.htm
Also try "hamilton industries" in the US - they appear to be a manufacturer of braid - there is stainless, tinned and un-tinned copper...
Sorry - no link as its on the other PC...
<Edit from my PC>: http://www.hamprods.com/Braided_Products.htm#Tinned Cu Flat Braids
What is the original braid we want to use? Is it tinned copper?
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We use a lot of braid in our equipment (Electricity supply authority). I don't usually look after the procurement of it but I had to buy some urgently for a job a few months ago. I will look up their details tomorrow and post up here.
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Yep Shansta, Tinned-copper would be best suited - flat braid, althought the 1mm round multi-strand (also tinned) is what the original is more like.
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See if these guys can help.
BAMBACH
102 OLD PITTWATER RD
BROOKVALE NSW 2100
02 9938 5622
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Bambach was on my list for today, i've used their hookup wire for yonks. :lol