Options and Prices.
All kits include almost everything you need to connect a MK encoder to your controls. Extra items needed are wire to chain the common side of the switches together, a wire stripper, and a crimper.
There are three general options. (A) A simple open ended ribbon cable in 3' length, (B) 1.5' Ribbon cable to quick disconnecting DB25 connectors and 6' of color coded 28AWG wires, or (C) 1.5' Ribbon cable to quick disconnecting DB25 connectors and 6' of 4 color 22AWG wires.
All MK64 kits include 100 lugs. The lugs are insulated and accept 22 to16 AWG wire. That means two 22 AWG wires fit easily for chaining the ground wires together. I recommend folding 28AWG wire to double the wire's width.
The prices below might seem high at first glance. If you have price checked everything included, they are very reasonable. In fact, I actually lose money on every kit. That's why quantities will be limited. Only kit allowed per MK ordered.
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Option A, Open Ribbon Cable (picture shows the IDC connector end, the other end has no connectors.)( Order as MK64A3 )
Pros: Low cost
Cons: Thin 28AWG wire, insulation that was designed to tear easily.
MK64 3' kit for $11.00
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Option B, Quick disconnect 28AWG (Pictures show a typical cable (Note: picture is 3 foot cable, the kit cables are now 6 foot), and the connectors on the far end of the ribbon cable)( Order as MK64B )
Pros: Each wire (per connector) has it's own unique color code. DB25 interface easy to disconnect. DB25F connector (below) has extra long (0.625") jack screws for secure mounting, if desired.
Cons: Thin 28AWG wire, color code must be looked up in a table to determine it's purpose.
MK64 kit is $26.00
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Option C, Three quick disconnect 22AWG in 6 foot length , Pictures show a first cable (yellow) , two views of connectors on the far end of the ribbon cable, and the other cables ( Order as MK64C )
Pros: Easiest to install. There are 4 colors used to mark the wire's function. The functions are Ground (Black), LEDS (Yellow), Shift Key ("Blue"), Shift-able key, ("Green"), and Generic input (White). The 22AWG wire is 4 times the size of 28AWG. Each connector hood has its own color for easy identification. DB25 interface easy to disconnect. DB25F connector (Below) has extra long (0.625") jack screws for secure mounting, if desired.
Cons: Expensive.
Notes: INTEST program must be used to "decode" which input went to what switch. This info will be used in your keymap file
MK64 kit is $45.00