X3T9.2/89-89

                                                        July 3, 1989





Mr. David Wong
AST Research Inc.
2121 Alton Avenue
Irvine, CA 92714

Dear David:

Thank you for your interest in the SCSI-2 connectors.  The issue 
you describe regarding the probability of connector damage has 
been previously addressed by X3T9.2.  Of course this issue is 
subjective, but the committee members felt that the risk of pin 
damage from normal usage is acceptable.  In fact, one member 
intentionally bent a pin.  When he mated the connector with the 
device connector, it straightened the bent pin!

I too shared your concern about pin connectors, but I was unable 
to damage these connectors by "scooping" them or by blind mating 
them.

While the committee does not ask the members their reasons for 
voting as they do, I feel that the majority voted for the 
current high-density design because they viewed it as the best 
solution considering all factors including robust design, 
multiple sources, availability, etc.  

Choice of connector design is always difficult.  There were many 
fine designs to choose from.  Unfortunately, one design "wins" 
and the others "lose".  If the committee were to allow all 
designs to "win", then the standard loses.  We do no service to 
the industry by allowing multiple connectors designs for the same 
application.  All we accomplish is the creation of a converter 
cable market.

At this time, the SCSI-2 draft proposed standard has been 
forwarded to X3 for its public review period.  The public review 
period is expected to begin in a few months.  If you feel 
strongly about this issue, you may wish to write a public review 
comment to the X3 Secretariat.  Please call me at 316-636-8703 if 
you need information about how to do so.

Best Regards,




John B. Lohmeyer
Chairman X3T9.2