USB 6218 LOOSE CONNECTORS

[455GTO]

I bought a USB 6218 Multi function DAQ this week. It has (4) 16 pin screw terminal connectors, 2 on each side. These connectors are VERY loose and all will fall out just by touching one end. Attaching wires makes the connections even more fragile.

There are M2.5 threaded inserts to lock down the connectors but no screws were shipped with the module. Also, no brackets or lugs on the connectors. If you use a 6218, how do you find the connector mating strength? Are they difficult to detach? Do you use attaching screws or brackets? Were they shipped with the module? Do your connectors seem unusually loose? Do you use the 68 pin 'D' connector version? If so, why did you choose that over the "standard" 4x16 connector scheme?

[Doug_L._Bear]

I don't have a 6218 readily available to examine but I believe they are supposed to be shipped with screws.  Occasionally, in shipping, the wrong accessory kits can be included with the module and the customer can end up in this situation.  If you look at the USB-621x Accessory Kit, it should come with screws.  You could either contact National Instruments and request the correct accessory kit or you might just be able to get your own M2.5 screws to hold down the connector blocks.

Doug F
Applications Engineer

[455GTO]

Doug F.

Thanks immensely for the link to the Accessory Kit. I noticed that it had lugs (bosses) on the connectors. The connectors I received had no bosses and there were no screws in the package. It confirmed my suspicion that the connector has been rev'ed, probably to a different supplier and the lungs are missing and probably the female contacts are too large for the header pins. (in my mind ... case solved). I am following up with NI support to get some replacement connectors. When (if) I get them, I will post the findings. Thanks!!!   USB-621x Accessory Kit 

[bman]

Make sure that you are pushing in the connectors all the way.  It does take a lot of force to get them all they way in, though once they are in, they are difficult to remove.  If you look at the connector itself, there are 16 plugs that fit into the device.  These plugs should be completely inside the device when it is pushed in all the way.

Brian