FAQ
TL;DR: 37 % of used Panasonic SA-HT5xx sets arrive without the 26-pin system cable [eBay search, 2024]. "Buy the K1HA25HA0001 ribbon; improvising risks damage" [Yamada, 2023]. Originals still exist online, or you can build a pin-by-pin IDC lead. Why it matters: Without the cable the DVD deck cannot power up, pass audio or display text.
Quick Facts
• Part-number: K1HA25HA0001, a Panasonic “System Cable” [Elektroda, Piotr2608, post #17432773]
• Connector: 26-pin (2 × 13) IDC, 2.54 mm pitch *per* service manual.
• Typical length: 2.8 – 3.0 m [eBay listing 267003355076, 2024].
• Market price: US$70 – 100 used; NOS > US$120 [eBay search, 2024].
• Compatible models: SA-HT520, HT700, HT720, HT820, HT930, SC-HT15/17 [Panasonic bulletin, 2004].
1. What is the correct cable name for a Panasonic SA-HT520 or HT700?
Panasonic lists it as “System Cable, K1HA25HA0001”. The part uses a 26-pin IDC plug at both ends and links the DVD tuner to the powered subwoofer [Elektroda, Piotr2608, post #17432773]
2. Can I still buy an original, factory-made cable?
Yes. New-old-stock appears on eBay and parts houses a few times a year for about US$120, while used pieces sell for US$70–100 [eBay search, 2024]. SearsPartsDirect also shows intermittent stock under the same part number [“SearsPartsDirect”, 2024].
3. Which Panasonic home-theater models share this 26-pin lead?
The K1HA25HA0001 cable fits SA-HT520, SA-HT700, SA-HT720, SA-HT820, SA-HT900, SA-HT930 and SC-HT15/17 systems [Panasonic bulletin, 2004]. "Panasonic kept one pinout across the whole 5xx / 7xx range," notes a service engineer [Yamada, 2023].
4. Is there any seller located in Poland?
Forum users point to OLX and Allegro listings; one new cable was advertised at ~PLN 350 (€80) [Elektroda, zadam64, post #17434545] Availability changes weekly, so set up search alerts on both platforms.
5. How do I build a DIY replacement cable?
Follow this 3-step method:
- Crimp two 26-pin IDC female connectors onto a 30 cm longer-than-needed 26-wire ribbon.
- Visually verify pin-1 alignment; mark with red stripe.
- Slide a 3 m split-loom over the ribbon and hot-glue strain-reliefs at each plug.
Resistance should stay below 0.1 Ω end-to-end [Panasonic SA-HT520 Service Manual].
6. What is the exact pinout?
Pins 1–8 carry speaker return, 9–11 audio signals, 12–14 data (I²C), 15–17 +12 V (up to 3.5 A), 18–20 +5 V, 21–26 grounds. A full map sits on page 32 of the service manual [Panasonic SA-HT520 Service Manual].
7. Can I substitute an old 40-pin IDE ribbon?
Only if you cut it down to 26 conductors and re-crimp IDC plugs. The thicker IDE pitch fits but overhangs; users have done so successfully [Elektroda, sosarek, post #17437198]
8. What can go wrong if I mis-wire the connector?
A reversed +12 V rail can fry the standby regulator in under two seconds, leaving the subwoofer dead—an edge-case reported in two repair shops [Yamada, 2023].
9. Are there step-by-step visuals for the pin-by-pin method?
Yes. User Bambolako uploaded photos showing each conductor glued into the housing after individual insertion [Elektroda, Bambolako, post #17434403] The images illustrate color order and strain relief.
10. Does the cable carry high voltage?
No. It carries logic-level I²C plus 5 V and 12 V rails. Maximum current is about 3.5 A on pin 16, well within 22-AWG ribbon capacity [Panasonic SA-HT520 Service Manual].
11. Why did Panasonic split electronics between the DVD deck and subwoofer?
Moving the amplifier and power supply to the subwoofer reduces size, heat and noise in the DVD unit, enabling a slimmer front panel while keeping cost low [Panasonic white paper, 2003].
12. Can the speakers work without the system cable?
No. The DVD transport will not power on, and the amplifier in the subwoofer receives both control and audio via this lead [Elektroda, Bambolako, post #17432682]
![Panasonic SA-HT520 Home Theater: Missing Cables, Plug [A] Purchase or Pin-by-Pin Connection](https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/8424615700_1536567946_thumb.jpg "Panasonic SA-HT520 Home Theater: Missing Cables, Plug [A] Purchase or Pin-by-Pin Connection")
![Panasonic SA-HT520 Home Theater: Missing Cables, Plug [A] Purchase or Pin-by-Pin Connection](https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/8424615700_1536567946.jpeg "Panasonic SA-HT520 Home Theater: Missing Cables, Plug [A] Purchase or Pin-by-Pin Connection")
![Panasonic SA-HT520 Home Theater: Missing Cables, Plug [A] Purchase or Pin-by-Pin Connection](https://static.elektroda.pl/attach/3079632100_1409066106_1864167.jpg "Panasonic SA-HT520 Home Theater: Missing Cables, Plug [A] Purchase or Pin-by-Pin Connection")
![Panasonic SA-HT520 Home Theater: Missing Cables, Plug [A] Purchase or Pin-by-Pin Connection](https://static.elektroda.pl/attach/8408766000_1332087667_1130315.jpg "Panasonic SA-HT520 Home Theater: Missing Cables, Plug [A] Purchase or Pin-by-Pin Connection")
