Question Question about flex cables/ribbons

[VermilionNeko]

Hi

Just a quick question: can any laptop, regardless of make/model accept any brand of flex cable/ribbon? Providing of course that it's the correct number of pins/connectors? Like 4 pins, 5 pins, 10 etc.?

I've been having a helluva nightmare with my sister's laptop and these blasted fiddly ribbon connectors. And they've easily gotten flimsy and won't stay inserted. I've been trying to cut off the dud ends, using a scalpal to reveal more underneath, and then tried to add more support to the cable with electrical tape, but it's always all or nothing. It's either too thin that it comes out or too thick and won't go in. And the more I mess around with it, the more flimsy it becomes and the pins aren't connecting up.

The ribbons for this particular model are unavailable; I can't find them anywhere. The laptop is from 2016. So if I have to have the exact same ones, I'm screwed and can't get it up and running again. 🙁

Thanks

 

[beyondlogic]

Hi

Just a quick question: can any laptop, regardless of make/model accept any brand of flex cable/ribbon? Providing of course that it's the correct number of pins/connectors? Like 4 pins, 5 pins, 10 etc.?

I've been having a helluva nightmare with my sister's laptop and these blasted fiddly ribbon connectors. And they've easily gotten flimsy and won't stay inserted. I've been trying to cut off the dud ends, using a scalpal to reveal more underneath, and then tried to add more support to the cable with electrical tape, but it's always all or nothing. It's either too thin that it comes out or too thick and won't go in. And the more I mess around with it, the more flimsy it becomes and the pins aren't connecting up.

The ribbons for this particular model are unavailable; I can't find them anywhere. The laptop is from 2016. So if I have to have the exact same ones, I'm screwed and can't get it up and running again. 🙁

Thanks

there are certain models of cable that are backwards compatible.

what is the laptop model number

what ribbon cable are you trying to connect exactly ?

 

[VermilionNeko]

there are certain models of cable that are backwards compatible.

what is the laptop model number

what ribbon cable are you trying to connect exactly ?

I believe it's a Clevo W650RC. I've looked around for ages online, but apart from batteries and power packs, there's nothing for this specific model. The cable I need the most is the one for the power button, which is a 10 pin cable.

 

[beyondlogic]

I believe it's a Clevo W650RC. I've looked around for ages online, but apart from batteries and power packs, there's nothing for this specific model. The cable I need the most is the one for the power button, which is a 10 pin cable.

you may need to replace the board power button with the following

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004688860334.html

from what i can gather the boards of the button is w650rc the actual model of the laptop is called
W650RB
similar models
W650S W650SF W650SC

also shot in the dark you can try this below

it be handy to see what the cable also looks like to determine the pitch

which comes in 0.5/1/1.25mm

this explains it better in the description


https://www.amazon.co.uk/sourcing-map-Flexible-Ribbon-Player/dp/B07RWNYH59/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1BORDS09OL255&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sWGu_yzRtuSHj7gmLd-GG7f0Vh-_eMYy2S-tY5uBSwtqFvFOZQCoxO7u6kJ65LYC7QHa3nXdnAj7OsMXJN6sMlmHev2Pl9L-I9kI00nOcSopPyHumV-ZuPM3u7SozwY4YMLeW44nQJ0enbgIwHZndV6cH1CBwRRmbEogTe-1p-_Mw0afcAgBlLrKDYz-APHDnCTMJir8C8xvjl6SMEl8G7RT6GDuwS8lDR4jtsk9r_8.9luUiDOMvXxguzHiy3eQTM5Lh3uYU9JgEJHiiVLoHH4&dib_tag=se&keywords=10+pin+ribbon+cable+laptop&qid=1744506696&sprefix=10+pin+ribbon+cable+laptop,aps,74&sr=8-3&th=1

 

[VermilionNeko]

you may need to replace the board power button with the following

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004688860334.html

from what i can gather the boards of the button is w650rc the actual model of the laptop is called

similar models
W650S W650SF W650SC

also shot in the dark you can try this below

it be handy to see what the cable also looks like to determine the pitch

which comes in 0.5/1/1.25mm

this explains it better in the description


https://www.amazon.co.uk/sourcing-map-Flexible-Ribbon-Player/dp/B07RWNYH59/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1BORDS09OL255&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sWGu_yzRtuSHj7gmLd-GG7f0Vh-_eMYy2S-tY5uBSwtqFvFOZQCoxO7u6kJ65LYC7QHa3nXdnAj7OsMXJN6sMlmHev2Pl9L-I9kI00nOcSopPyHumV-ZuPM3u7SozwY4YMLeW44nQJ0enbgIwHZndV6cH1CBwRRmbEogTe-1p-_Mw0afcAgBlLrKDYz-APHDnCTMJir8C8xvjl6SMEl8G7RT6GDuwS8lDR4jtsk9r_8.9luUiDOMvXxguzHiy3eQTM5Lh3uYU9JgEJHiiVLoHH4&dib_tag=se&keywords=10+pin+ribbon+cable+laptop&qid=1744506696&sprefix=10+pin+ribbon+cable+laptop,aps,74&sr=8-3&th=1

Awesome. Thank you for the links. I didn't even think to check Amazon. So at least if I order some there, they should arrive fairly quickly with Prime.

I have cut ends of the original cable off as I tried to use a scalpal to expose the pins under the plastic. The ends keep getting flimsy that they're impossible to fit. I also tried re-enforcing them with some tape or paper, but didn't have any luck. But I think 150mm will be plenty. There's still length left despite clipping some of it off.

When I've seen similar models listed, I've always been unsure if they'll work. Like, will something from a W650SF work with the W650RC?

 

[VermilionNeko]

Probably would be good to replace that board. This isa a good option i just found quickly https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004688860334.html

Yeah, beyondlogic beat you to it. 😉 I'd rather replace the board as a last resort, if I can. But thanks for sharing.

 

[beyondlogic]

Awesome. Thank you for the links. I didn't even think to check Amazon. So at least if I order some there, they should arrive fairly quickly with Prime.

I have cut ends of the original cable off as I tried to use a scalpal to expose the pins under the plastic. The ends keep getting flimsy that they're impossible to fit. I also tried re-enforcing them with some tape or paper, but didn't have any luck. But I think 150mm will be plenty. There's still length left despite clipping some of it off.

When I've seen similar models listed, I've always been unsure if they'll work. Like, will something from a W650SF work with the W650RC?

it should what is important is the pitch of your cable.

in the description
on the amazon this is how you identify what the pitch is

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S...8fe64a905.__CR0,0,350,175_PT0_SX350_V1___.jpg

if unsure just get all 3. types which is safest bet.

from my knowledge of working on laptops models
W650S W650SF W650SC

power ribbon cable should work.

its not uncommon for manufacturers to use same parts for diffrent models to cut cost.

i have 3 lenovos all with same power button also the board was so similar i was able to get a ribbon cable to attach a hardrive which there was no documentation that it supports it as a upgrade but they left the connection on the board so i used it and it registered and worked.

used a ribbon cable from the drive from another lenovo model.

 

[VermilionNeko]

it should what is important is the pitch of your cable.

in the description
on the amazon this is how you identify what the pitch is

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S...8fe64a905.__CR0,0,350,175_PT0_SX350_V1___.jpg

if unsure just get all 3. types which is safest bet.

from my knowledge of working on laptops models
W650S W650SF W650SC

power ribbon cable should work.

its not uncommon for manufacturers to use same parts for diffrent models to cut cost.

i have 3 lenovos all with same power button also the board was so similar i was able to get a ribbon cable to attach a hardrive which there was no documentation that it supports it as a upgrade but they left the connection on the board so i used it and it registered and worked.

used a ribbon cable from the drive from another lenovo model.

Awesome. Thank you. 😊

And pitch - I see what you mean now. Hmm. I mean, would this be 1.25 or 1mm? 😅

https://imgur.com/a/Oq8ziS3

 

[beyondlogic]

Awesome. Thank you. 😊

And pitch - I see what you mean now. Hmm. I mean, would this be 1.25 or 1mm? 😅

https://imgur.com/a/Oq8ziS3

0.5 i think

this is better way to look at it

this is a 0.5 cable

https://media.rs-online.com/image/u...uto,w_710/c_pad,h_399,w_710/Y1792566-01?pgw=1

so the 10 pin in the amazon link should work. do not trim the cable down use as is .

 

[VermilionNeko]

0.5 i think

this is better way to look at it

this is a 0.5 cable

https://media.rs-online.com/image/u...uto,w_710/c_pad,h_399,w_710/Y1792566-01?pgw=1

so the 10 pin in the amazon link should work. do not trim the cable down use as is .

Great. Thanks again. You’ve been a great help. 😄 But don’t worry - I have no intentions of trying to modify it. It didn’t work for me. I’ll report back once I have it and tested it.

 

[beyondlogic]

Great. Thanks again. You’ve been a great help. 😄 But don’t worry - I have no intentions of trying to modify it. It didn’t work for me. I’ll report back once I have it and tested it.

thats fine good luck.

 

[VermilionNeko]

thats fine good luck.

Just to double check, as I'm a bit confused with the pitch measurements - is it for the length of the pins or is it the thickness? It can't be the thickness of the pins, surely?

I need to replace one of the connectors for the touch-pad, which is 4 pins. I believe it's this one I need:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/sourcing-map-Flexible-Ribbon-Player/dp/B07RVBRGHD?crid=2JH3TPLUDDML9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OM_J37iQSnJmXuUATJLDmlkQyU-cZMUAsg8tr5fysvj0qucZ5n5HvXDTsNC8SfpEzp5l-eBtbx59SAgY0sPMYa6CWD6r_YlGDo44NSDFmz8Mva8z6iWpyLAefEqBMrzcEg5BfK1Ms86XZsxjhiwSWudTRSHANI5Rd7pr7S_i7hvZq30I82FzGSXLTq4qJrsXUFVZ6N_fHDN57DnlIb-y9wS9tVKzqAhPnnrbQooLxFGQrNDzAsYq3LaexLLuye7khUfocG7vR6zaOboY2RoJ7s-n6xKbpVtISZgUfUIYbbo.ys_4RvI1ymimV5UCQ_3UuyTsnuGPeOyXqkimeBFigbc&dib_tag=se&keywords=flat+ribbon+cables+4+pins&qid=1744973729&sprefix=flat+ribbon+cables+4+pins,aps,70&sr=8-7&th=1

For the original I'm holding, I've only measured the length to be around 0.03cm/0.3mm, though that image says the smallest is 0.5mm. That one I've linked looks to be right, but it's saying the pitch is 1mm? 😵

https://imgur.com/a/7xGIsQC

 

[beyondlogic]

Just to double check, as I'm a bit confused with the pitch measurements - is it for the length of the pins or is it the thickness? It can't be the thickness of the pins, surely?

I need to replace one of the connectors for the touch-pad, which is 4 pins. I believe it's this one I need:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/sourcing-map-Flexible-Ribbon-Player/dp/B07RVBRGHD?crid=2JH3TPLUDDML9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OM_J37iQSnJmXuUATJLDmlkQyU-cZMUAsg8tr5fysvj0qucZ5n5HvXDTsNC8SfpEzp5l-eBtbx59SAgY0sPMYa6CWD6r_YlGDo44NSDFmz8Mva8z6iWpyLAefEqBMrzcEg5BfK1Ms86XZsxjhiwSWudTRSHANI5Rd7pr7S_i7hvZq30I82FzGSXLTq4qJrsXUFVZ6N_fHDN57DnlIb-y9wS9tVKzqAhPnnrbQooLxFGQrNDzAsYq3LaexLLuye7khUfocG7vR6zaOboY2RoJ7s-n6xKbpVtISZgUfUIYbbo.ys_4RvI1ymimV5UCQ_3UuyTsnuGPeOyXqkimeBFigbc&dib_tag=se&keywords=flat+ribbon+cables+4+pins&qid=1744973729&sprefix=flat+ribbon+cables+4+pins,aps,70&sr=8-7&th=1

For the original I'm holding, I've only measured the length to be around 0.03cm/0.3mm, though that image says the smallest is 0.5mm. That one I've linked looks to be right, but it's saying the pitch is 1mm? 😵

https://imgur.com/a/7xGIsQC

0.5 is the distance of the pins.

1mm looks correct for what your asking it can also be 1.25 it's all very confusing lol

 

[VermilionNeko]

0.5 is the distance of the pins.

1mm looks correct for what your asking it can also be 1.25 it's all very confusing lol

So it is the length of the pins then? From top to bottom?

You're right; very confusing lol.

 

[beyondlogic]

Thickness of the pin contacts

See link

https://media.rs-online.com/image/u...uto,w_710/c_pad,h_399,w_710/Y1792566-01?pgw=1

 

[beyondlogic]

So it is the length of the pins then? From top to bottom?

You're right; very confusing lol.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S...8fe64a905.__CR0,0,350,175_PT0_SX350_V1___.jpg

 

[VermilionNeko]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S...8fe64a905.__CR0,0,350,175_PT0_SX350_V1___.jpg

Yeah, that's the image I was checking earlier. I tried measuring the pins of the old cable with my tape measure earlier, but the measurements seem much smaller than advertised.

 

[beyondlogic]

Yeah, that's the image I was checking earlier. I tried measuring the pins of the old cable with my tape measure earlier, but the measurements seem much smaller than advertised.

What I found.

"pitch" of a ribbon cable refers to the spacing between the parallel conductors in the cable. A common pitch is 0.05 inches (1.27 mm). Other pitches include 0.5mm, 1.0mm, and 1.25mm, with custom cables also available. The pitch is typically measured from the center of one conductor to the center of the adjacent conductor.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
What it is:
Pitch is the distance between the center of one wire and the center of the next wire in a ribbon cable. It's essentially the spacing or separation between the individual conductors within the flat cable.
Why it matters:
The pitch determines the number of conductors that can fit within a given width of the ribbon cable. It also influences the size and type of connector that can be used with the cable.
Common pitches:
0.05 inches (1.27 mm): This is a very common pitch for ribbon cables, often used in interconnections within electronic devices.
0.5mm: This smaller pitch is used in applications where space is limited.
1.0mm: Another common pitch, often found in flat flexible cables (FFCs).
1.25mm: Used in some FFC applications.
How to measure:
You can typically measure the pitch by measuring the distance between the outside edges of the cable and dividing that by the number of conductors.

 

[VermilionNeko]

0.5 is the distance of the pins.

1mm looks correct for what your asking it can also be 1.25 it's all very confusing lol

Damn. Looks like I picked the wrong one. 😖 It’s actually a 6 pin I need, which is for TP-R. Due to how smol it is, I’m guessing definitely 0.5mm…? 😄

https://imgur.com/a/mUQjYvE

 

[beyondlogic]

Damn. Looks like I picked the wrong one. 😖 It’s actually a 6 pin I need, which is for TP-R. Due to how smol it is, I’m guessing definitely 0.5mm…? 😄

https://imgur.com/a/mUQjYvE

i think it is as well.

 

[VermilionNeko]

@beyondlogic Do you think the pitch is right for these connectors? This is for the trackpad. Whenever I connect these up, the laptop won't boot and nothing appears on the screen. Can the wrong connectors affect a laptop from booting? Even if it's for something like the trackpad? I'm using a 4 and 6 pin, but I'm not sure if the pitch is correct. The 4 is 1mm and the 6 is 0.5, I believe.

https://imgur.com/a/cWqqNj1

https://imgur.com/a/rtBjzG0

https://imgur.com/a/0baZwaN

https://imgur.com/a/hnQe3Gu

Thanks

 

[beyondlogic]

@beyondlogic Do you think the pitch is right for these connectors? This is for the trackpad. Whenever I connect these up, the laptop won't boot and nothing appears on the screen. Can the wrong connectors affect a laptop from booting? Even if it's for something like the trackpad? I'm using a 4 and 6 pin, but I'm not sure if the pitch is correct. The 4 is 1mm and the 6 is 0.5, I believe.

https://imgur.com/a/cWqqNj1

https://imgur.com/a/rtBjzG0

https://imgur.com/a/0baZwaN

https://imgur.com/a/hnQe3Gu

Thanks

Second connector is correct first connector isn't.

Some systems will refuse to boot if they keyboard isn't connected

 

[VermilionNeko]

Second connector is correct first connector isn't.

Some systems will refuse to boot if they keyboard isn't connected

Ahh, I see. Cool. What should that first connector be if not 1mm? I know the machine will boot with or without the keyboard ribbon plugged in, but if I plug these two in, it won't. I even tried just the one and it didn't. But if I make sure I get the right connectors sorted, I can get the trackpad hooked back up again.

 

[beyondlogic]

Ahh, I see. Cool. What should that first connector be if not 1mm? I know the machine will boot with or without the keyboard ribbon plugged in, but if I plug these two in, it won't. I even tried just the one and it didn't. But if I make sure I get the right connectors sorted, I can get the trackpad hooked back up again.

I think connector 1 is a different connector contacts are upside down in the connector take a picture of inside of connector 1. There are 2 types of ribbon cable type a and type b

https://www.google.com/search?clien...SEGUtVXFEc3ZFblB2ZWhMT00YADABGAcg6sHtmwwwAUAC

 

[VermilionNeko]

I think connector 1 is a different connector contacts are upside down in the connector take a picture of inside of connector 1. There are 2 types of ribbon cable type a and type b

https://www.google.com/search?clien...SEGUtVXFEc3ZFblB2ZWhMT00YADABGAcg6sHtmwwwAUAC

I'll have to take another pic of TP-L, though I think it's a bit difficult to see properly. It has to slide inside and the clips pushed to lock it in place. Trouble is, I've now thrown the old ribbons away, so I can't compare. >_< I believe this one is type A...? Would I not just insert it the other way around...? With these, I've put them in with the blue side up.