can someone identify this ribbon cable?

[propguy]

Hey all, newbie here!

I'm a theme park prop master in California and do basic electronic work on props and sets. Basically, I get things to light up and do fun and flashy things.

Anyway, I'm working on a replica movie prop and would like to know if anyone can tell me what computer (or electronic component) this ribbon cable came from?...

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/8744/packkb4.jpg

Here's a full view of the prop....

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/6312/scan7371556121jw1.jpg

The ribbon cable in the picture dates back to the early 1980's or before. Judging by the looks of it, I assume it's from and old computer of some sort. Vintage mainframe perhaps? I really have no idea. Of all the people I've inquired with, no one has seen a cable quite like this.

I'm hoping someone here might have seen this before. My interest in it is purely cosmetic so I would like to find the exact same cable or at least something very similar but I'm more interested in identifying "where" it came from.

Thanks guys!

propguy

[nige the hippy]

just do a google for "rainbow ribbon cable " or "multicolor ribbon cable" and you'll get heaps of suppliers. (you maybe only need about 10 way, as it starts repeating after that!)

[propguy]

I've done Google searches up the wazoo and it mostly brings up 28 gauge Spectra-Strip cable and the like. Not exactly the same. This looks more like 18 gauge to me. There are a lot of manufacturers out there and (I've contacted a few) but the response is "we don't have it but we can probably make it".

It certainly is a mystery.

propguy

[nige the hippy]

OK, sorry, no idea of scale!

[Terry Yager]

Hmmn, looks like it might be an old hard drive.

--T