So - for some reason I just started digging into these cards recently and found stuff I NEVER knew before. Coming back here I notice some of the things I just found out but never understood. For anyone that isn't already versed, I'd like to write down some things that I wish I knew.
~ These are 22 (or 44, 22 on each side) contact edge connectors from either Commodore/Vic 20 era computer parts, before Apple really came to the surface. (The computers worked on cartridges that you plugged in like our old game systems to run programs. Cartridges may be the same size but their edge connectors are broken up and not continuous strips. Cartridge extensions/expanders look like good options but they're inconsistent - they're large boards with 3-4 plugs to plug in more stuff! I've seen one or two that have the same edge but they slipped through my fingers) There are also tons of other electronic components that have these things, I haven't read that far in haha
~ A more realistic option are blank breadboards that include edge connectors. They're called things like plugbords, prototyping boards, development boards, etc. and were made in order to - that's right - develop your own stuff to plug in. The board posted earlier is made by Vector ( part no. 4112) with gold and nickel leads and the best thing I've seen so far. I talked with employees at Vector and was informed that all of these type of boards are made from a fiberglass epoxy that used to be green/white. Nowadays things have been added (anti UV chemicals for starters) that make the material yellow or clear. That's an old picture. Vintage is the way to go for that color.
~ I'm not sure what the correct shape of leads are - those from Vector are rounded at the back, Radioshack made rectangular leads on maroon/brown material, Kimmoto's boards (the ones I have) are more white than green and have silver (probably nickel) leads, Commodore parts are rectangular... The trick is finding an edge connector that directs straight back from the edge. Most shoot off at an angle, that's why the board (4112) was so appealing to me, other than the two colors)
hmm, that's all I have for now, once I found this stuff out it really helped narrow the search.
