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The RS232 connector on my TIU has become loose making it difficult to firmly seat the plug from the WIU. This then results in losing connectivity between the TIU & WIU. In the photo, the bottom thru hole on the RS232 has a yellow film between the connector and the circuit board. I was considering installing plastic dowel or screw but am concerned about creating a short. Is it safe to do this or should I consider a different option?

Thank you!

TIU

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Couple of things going on here.

#1 The yellow you see was likely Kapton tape (a very high temperature tape) used during assembly and wave soldering of the typical PCB to prevent the solder from sticking and or shorting connectors and places the solder should not flow into or coat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvh7G8f0jOU



It would seem to me from that picture you are missing the security screws/standoffs? Those at one point in time were common parts- something Radioshack or other electronics stores would have.



Keyword search at MTH parts "TIU" https://www.mthpartsandsales.com/shop/search/results

"I was considering installing plastic dowel or screw but am concerned about creating a short. Is it safe to do this or should I consider a different option?"

I'm slightly confused by this, and unsure if you meant somehow replacing the rivets holding the black plastic connector outer shell (not the contacts) ?

These are replacement snap in style connectors if the connector is really damaged. Snap meaning you unsolder the  old connector, remove the existing rivets, insert this style snap in and the clips hold it before soldering, and then solder the connections. Unsure if the rivet holes have through plated copper to solder to as my rivets completely block any view of the PCB hole. Found on the A site "PC Accessories - Connectors Pro DB9 Female Right Angle PCB Mount Connector, 90 Degree D-Sub"

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Mating USB to serial ideally would have the matching security screws

Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter Cable USB-A to DB9 RS-232 M/M 5ft 5' - U209-000-R - -

But let's say yours doesn't or is the opposite?

Amazon.com: Plugable USB to Serial Adapter Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux [RS-232DB9 Female Connector, Prolific PL2303HX Rev. D Chipset) : Electronics

I bought these for use with my DZ2500 wire line driver module in my Legacy setup but just as useful here.

"Five Pack of YCS Basics 1 Foot DB9 9 Pin Serial / RS232 Male/Female Extension Cables"

Also a search for "DB SUB standoffs" on the A site came up with both standoffs and security screw examples.

Sponsored Ad - Cablecc 10pcs/lot Thumb Screws #4-40 UNC 25mm Length Stainless Steel for Computer Cableuxcell 4#-40 6+6mm F/M Brass Hex Standoff Spacer Screws PCB Pillar Nickel Plated 100 Pcs

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I also agree after looking at both sides of the TIU PCB, they used metal rivets, so replacing a loose rivet would be fine, it's not providing electrical contact nor should short out. Again,  if there was Kapton tape, it likely was part of the soldering process and removed, it wasn't for permanent electrical isolation.

However, if that's the problem and loose, bigger fear would be cracked solder joints to the actual 9 pins of the connector or worse, cracked thin PCB traces.

Picture take from this topic by @Adrian! https://ogrforum.com/topic/79142442692986004

Ignore the yellow circle in this photo- the connector and solder joints are on the left. the 2 big silver circles are the rivet heads.

Thanks all.  I replaced the rivets with small screws & used locktite on the nuts. I also reflowed the 9 pins of the connector.

Great point on the standoffs! I totally forgot about these and by not using them was the reason the RS232 got loose.  Especially with the weight of the Y connector required for WIU/Legacy split. I  also plan to zip tie the Y connector to something to avoid the side forces on the RS232.

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