Type of Sockets Apple Used for Keyboard, Game Pad, and Language Card

[jdmcs]

On the Apple II series, Apple used a different DIP socket for the keyboard, game pad, and for the Apple II and II+, the memory chip at E3. It was a socket designed to accept an IDC ribbon cable with a DIP plug.

I need three of these sockets, and I’m having trouble finding them partially because I don’t remember the name for this type of DIP socket. Does anyone else remember?

Yes, I’ve tried standard DIP sockets, but unfortunately they usually have a lip on the outer edge that prevents the cable from fully starting. And yes, I’ve thought about trying to sand this lip off, but the contacts usually come up to the top of the lip… so I’d rather just find some of the original style sockets if at all possible. But that would require me to remember what they’re called.

 

[Nycturne]

I’m not sure those exact sockets are available anymore. There are DIP sockets available that don’t use the ‘easy insert’ lip, if I’m understanding correctly, but I’m not sure the pitch matches. I’m thinking something along these lines are what are most likely to be compatible, but it’s been years since I’ve had a look at an Apple II in person, sadly. Need to get the row spacing and the pitch correct, but this style of socket should be fine for this type of DIP plug.

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Mill-Max/123-43-316-41-001000?qs=IGgAdOvCTsSwSyUcUrHgcA%3D%3D

I wonder if a ZIF socket would fit though. The larger footprint of this locking version might not fit in the space for the socket though, so no guarantees. But I do remember this style used for joystick extension cables for the Apple II, which we owned (Was it a Scooter or something else? I can’t remember).

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetai...216-3340-00-0602J?qs=RC2ne4458IK091EnA7HSzw== (the datasheet seems wrong for this part, the part is a 2 row ZIF which is meant for DIP chips, but the data sheet is for SIP…)

 

[jdmcs]

but this style of socket should be fine for this type of DIP plug.

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Mill-Max/123-43-316-41-001000?qs=IGgAdOvCTsSwSyUcUrHgcA%3D%3D

I didn't think the pins on the keyboard connector would fit in a machined socket, but I just found one that I had on hand, and the pins appear to fit. I'll just have to get some in DIP-16 size next time I order from Mouser.

I wonder if a ZIF socket would fit though. The larger footprint of this locking version might not fit in the space for the socket though, so no guarantees. But I do remember this style used for joystick extension cables for the Apple II, which we owned (Was it a Scooter or something else? I can’t remember).

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/3M-Electronic-Solutions-Division/216-3340-00-0602J?qs=RC2ne4458IK091EnA7HSzw== (the datasheet seems wrong for this part, the part is a 2 row ZIF which is meant for DIP chips, but the data sheet is for SIP…)

I'm not sure if a ZIF socket would fit. If I can find dimensions of a more budget-friendly version that's available from somewhere I'll order from, I'll check.