Hi MonitorMan
Further to my last post, I have recently been asked to quote for some 15m 50 way SSL external ribbons (S14E) plus some 15m power looms. I looked up an older costings template from 1995 and updated most of the prices. It seems most of the cable prices (ribbon plus 16/0.2 and 50/0.25 wires) plus the 50 way 3M (as used by SSL) free socket connectors and the power loom gold plated crimps have almost doubled in price in 12 years.
Therefore, approximate prices for new complete 15 metre looms would be:
1 15m S14E 50 way ribbon = GB£110
2 15m 661 19 way Power loom = GB£198
Obviously, there may be many used versions of these available throughout the World, but if I were asked to make some new versions, using the same parts that SSL used, they would approximately cost these prices....which probably puts me out of work compared with the secondhand market!
Looms can be extended of course or cheaper materials used which may be cost effective.
Hope this helps somewhat?