DEC MMJ plugs (was: Re: DEC Server 300)

[Somehow this discussion thread slipped by me, but better late than never.] On Thu, 12 Jul 2012, Holm Tiffe wrote: The trick of cutting the tab off at an angle and gluing it back on that people have used for the LEGO Mindstorms NXT connector can also be used for MMJ connectors. [Note however that the retention tab is on the opposite side for MMJ connectors compared to NXT connectors.] http://www.philohome.com/nxtplug/nxtplug.htm Another thing to keep in mind is that there are a number of different types of MMJ plugs. There are two different types when it comes to crimp dies, Stewart Stamping (sometimes marked 'SS' for the genuine Stewart plugs) and AMP. Attempting to crimp one type with the other dieset type -will- damage the plug and very likely also damage the dieset. Tyco Electronics (AMP) discontinued their MMJ plugs a number of years ago. They did this after buying AMP when they implemented their Six Sigma and Lean Process garbage. Stewart Connector (Belfuse) on the other hand still manufactures 6P6C offset tab MMJ compatible plugs. Stewart's part numbers are: 937-SP-3066-OST 6P6C flat oval offset, stranded conductors only, 0.37" (0.94mm) OD http://belfuse.com/pdfs/CT300047.pdf http://belfuse.com/stock-check.php?num=937-SP-3066-OST 937-SP-3066R-OST 6P6C round offset, stranded conductors only, 0.37" (0.94mm) OD http://belfuse.com/pdfs/CT300101.pdf http://belfuse.com/stock-check.php?num=937-SP-3066R-OST 940-SP-3066-OST 6P6C flat oval offset, solid or stranded conductors, 0.37" (0.94mm) OD http://belfuse.com/pdfs/CT300102.pdf http://belfuse.com/stock-check.php?num=940-SP-3066-OST Most people are going to want the 937-SP-3066-OST or 940-SP-3066-OST plugs for making standard 6-conductor flat cables. Those using solid wire in unusual applications will certainly want the 940-SP-3066-OST plugs. In a pinch, the 937-SP-3066R-OST plugs could probably be used with flat cord, but I'm not sure if the strain relief would hold properly. Tyco/AMP also had different plugs for different types of cable. 6-Position Flat Oval Solid Offset 555236-1 strip 5-555236-1 1,000/box 5-555236-2 100/box 5-555236-3 25/bag 6-Position Flat Oval Stranded Offset 555237-1 strip 5-555237-1 1,000/box 5-555237-2 100/box 5-555237-3 25/bag 6-Position Round Stranded Offset 555238-1 strip 5-555238-2 100/box 5-555238-3 25/bag 6-Position Wide Flat Oval Stranded Offset 557345-1 strip 5-557345-1 1,000/box 5-557345-2 100/box 5-557345-3 25/bag I lucked out when I heard Tyco/AMP was discontinuing their MMJ plugs and I was able to buy some remaining inventory of the 555237 plugs in two 1,000 count boxes and some loose bags. I currently have about 1,700+ still on hand, as well as a small handful of the 555236 plugs for solid conductor wire. Unfortunately, when they are gone, they are gone, and all of my [expensive] AMP tooling for these plugs will become basically worthless.