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Comment by j_leboulanger | Hacker News Reader

Can you buy the cable ?

That seems interesting on the cost side if the cable is not too expensive.

The cable/connector does indeed look interesting, if easily available ... possibly with more pins... I wish they had more details, from the thumbnail[0] they posted of the board edge PCB footprint, I don't see how it could be reversible... The short finger (presumably VDD) would need to be on opposing sides top and bottom, and it's always on the right. Or is my thinking messed up?

[0]: https://microsoft.github.io/jacdac-docs/overview/connectorca...

It is reversible! The reversibility is largely provided by the PCB edge connector as you've identified. More details here [0]

[0] - https://microsoft.github.io/jacdac-docs/ddk/design/#pcb-edge...

The original jackplug was also just as simple. Instead of 3.5 they could have gone for the 2.5" to avoid confusion as an audio out. But the new proposed cable? Is it available? Seems to be more work to offer.

/me checks taobao again

Nope, still not.

Kittenbot devices came with a standard audio jackplug. Easy cabling, off the shelf.

Ah, was that the origin of the name I wonder? Definitely would have been a nice idea. I'm also not fond of the custom connector.

Although, thinking about it, I wonder if the connector is designed for sequencing (power/ground first, then data) and if the linear insertion of the jack plug caused issues with that, since when the plug is being inserted the connector nearest to the outside contacts all three of the rings on the jack in turn.

Yep, it wasn't perfect and might cause issues with shorting the terminals briefly.

But this wasn't originally for rocket science, but simple DIY projects or kids projects. If repositioned it will have a hard time getting adopted.

Right now, only if you're buying 10,000 units, but hopefully will change soon!

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