Where to find toroidal inductor carriers? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Mr Evil
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2019, 10:08:17 pm
content: The inductor in the attached photo is mounted to a plastic base with pins and a recess for a zip tie. I've seen such plastic bits variously described as bases, carriers, mounts, and other names. I can't find them for sale anywhere though. Does anyone know where I could get some? I wind my own inductors and transformers often enough that it would be useful to have a few in various sizes. I might have to resort to getting some 3D printed if I can't obtain them off-the-shelf.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2019, 10:23:21 pm
content: Frankly it's better to just solder it directly on PCB and use neutral silicone to hold it in place, together with other heavy components.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2019, 10:30:05 pm
content: 3d printing would be my go to as the parts would be easy to make in low volume. If your core sizes are somewhat standard, you could make a carrier PCB to do the job. A few traces to header pin pads for your pins, then a cutout in the middle to hold the core in place and a zip tie to secure it to the PCB. You could probably make a few dozen for <$10 at a PCB house.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2019, 10:40:00 pm
content: Quote from: DaJMasta on December 31, 2019, 10:30:05 pmYou could use square PCB with 4 holes and fix inductor with silicone. Zip tie is not good solution. Very likely it will become loose with time. Plastic also tend to become fragile, especially under stress. Also what's on the picture above is not mechanically strong at all.

author: Mr Evil
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2019, 11:13:59 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on December 31, 2019, 10:23:21 pmIf I was just winding an inductor an putting it straight into a PCB, yes, but having them on a carrier is convenient when prototyping as it keeps the windings firmly in place while still allowing them to be rewound. Pins are also easier to insert into a PCB, especially if the windings consist of thin wire.Quote from: DaJMasta on December 31, 2019, 10:30:05 pmNot a bad idea.Quote from: wraper on December 31, 2019, 10:40:00 pmThe zip ties in the one pictured are not just to secure it mechanically to the base, but also to separate the windings. If you're going to put zip ties on it for that, then one might as well wrap around the base too. It can be daubed with silicone or potted afterwards if necessary.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2019, 11:18:57 pm
content: Quote from: Mr Evil on December 31, 2019, 11:13:59 pmPut a piece of FR-4 in the middle just like on the pictures. Also zip-tie creates a gap under carrier, thus making construction more flimsy.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2019, 11:50:17 pm
content: The picture attached to the first post looks like a common mode suppression inductor, rather than a transformer.I don't see the problem with using cable ties. I'd never had a problem with them working loose over time. The ratchet mechanism does a very good job of holding it in place and they're easy to remove, unlike glue or resin.A separate PCB could be used, with a cable tie round it to hold the toroid in place.

author: Conrad Hoffman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2020, 01:02:06 am
content: These things seem easy to find, though maybe not easy to buy. Here's one result from a simple Google search-https://www.lodestonepacific.com/toroid_notes.php

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2020, 01:07:45 am
content: Indeed, I've removed cable ties older than myself, still in good flexible condition, if rather more yellow than brand-new ones are. Nylon is terrific stuff: strong, slippery, resistant to heat and solvent, slow to age or crack. I'd call it "space age", but it's been with us much longer than that!As for mounts, I've seen them at the usual suspects. Could also try turret board, or make your own with some manner of press pins (e.g. from Mill Max).Heh, more than I even remember, they have boxes and stuff too:https://www.digikey.com/short/zczfj7Tim

author: Mr Evil
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2020, 11:07:14 pm
content: Quote from: Conrad Hoffman on January 01, 2020, 01:02:06 amLooks like they do a wide variety, but any time it says "request a quote", I know I'm not going to be able to buy just a couple of them.Quote from: T3sl4co1l on January 01, 2020, 01:07:45 amThanks. I couldn't find any for sale at Farnell, where I usually look. The unenclosed ones are just flat bits of plastic with holes in though, for poking the windings straight through.I guess I'll make my own at some point.