Hi George and Orin. Yes, the big interconnect cable arrangement is a PITA - I've been fighting problems with these all along on the 8568/85662 fix-a-thon project. I don't recall ever having cable problems with the 8566s, over many years, but on the 8568s, it's been a lot of trouble. The main issues have been poor connector insertion depth due to the mechanical mounting scheme on the "A" version, and poor quality "modern" connectors on the "B" ones.
I had planned to do a report here about the fix-a-thon, with lots of info on what I found and had to do to get a number of 8568s and IF/display units going, from being totally out of commission, to at least operational and usable. There's a lot to talk about, so will take some time and effort to write up, but I figure I need to do it soon, before I forget too many details - it's been a few months now.
Regarding the cables, I can summarize somewhat. On the A version, it's best to modify the connector and possibly the cable end, to get deeper insertion. The B units I have came with very crappy black plastic connectors that deformed such that they couldn't provide enough contact pressure in their midsections - I jammed thin steel shims between the metal connector housing/mounting and the plastic body, to force the contact zones inward. I did the same on the A types where possible, although the old blue glass-filled pthalate type connector bodies are stiffer, so need less help.
There could still be connector issues causing my present problems, but I think it's less likely now.
I'll have more to say as I continue the saga.
Ed
