PCB as Front Panel - Connector issue - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: mrx79
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2015, 04:59:12 pm
content: Hallo,i've seen Dave's µCurrent project on youtube and i like the idea of using the PCB as a frontpanel for some of my projects as well.I just have one issue i have currently no solution for.My projects usualy need a few more terminals and connectors, so i'am searching for a way to put a connector onto the PCB as well in a way that it looks good and professional but still need's no or not much case modifications.Any ideas?

author: Yago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2015, 05:04:19 pm
content: Could you show us what terminal/connectors you mean?Might help.

author: mrx79
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2015, 07:38:26 pm
content: I have no special connector in mind. But by design it should be on the side of the casing.Just around 7-10 pin's are necessary.Thought about a something like this:https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQWVLvcejfZKL3jovumGPBVT513h8qK0_a7EwAd3pvB6UCMOGebBut this would destroy the look of the frontpanel PCB because of the solderpad's on top.I can also put the connector on the top, but then it would stick out above the PCB, which would also doesn't look perfect.I'am just looking for some brainstorming to maybe get some new ideas which could work and look nice.Thanks

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2015, 08:00:50 pm
content: You could use SMD pin headers like this:http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/95278-101A06LF/609-3487-1-ND/2044025That link is only for reference, definitely not a price based recommendation.Similar connectors can probably be had on ebay for a fraction of that list price.

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2015, 08:05:06 pm
content: Quick check turns up for example this one:http://www.ebay.com/itm/161278367918ebay search terms:10 pcs smd pin headers 2.54mmAdjust search depending on what you want.

author: mrx79
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2015, 09:18:23 pm
content: I also thought about similar ones... only drawback is the fact that they would not have mechanical polarity protection and they are not extremely firm. Something with a tight fit and mechanical coding would be great.

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2015, 10:10:23 pm
content: Think solutions, not problems.The polarity requirement that you just introduced can be taken care of with for example:1 - using shrouded pin header with polarity.2 - cut off one pin, and use a female connector that has the corresponding plug filled with your favorite filler material.Option 1) is slightly more expensive, option 2) requires some extra work for every connector you do. For typical one off's I think I would just go with numero duo. Unless I can find equally cheap shrouded connectors on ebay, which is unlikely. The advantage of the unshrouded ones is that you can get longer strips rather cheap on ebay, and then cut them to size for this or that particular project.The tight fit requirement ... dunno.Those connectors are not all that flimsy IMO. It might help if you give a list of the actual signals you want to connect to your front panel. Without that it becomes a bit of a guessing game.

author: ludzinc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 08, 2015, 10:31:58 pm
content: You can use a bulkhead connector, with a wiring harness back to the PCB.A little more work, but a great finish.

author: lincoln
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2015, 07:40:08 pm
content: we have used this series of connectorhttp://www.te.com/catalog/minf/en/439, they have a high insertion force, sold through digikey, hand have all kinds of mix and match mechanical layouts.

author: mrx79
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2015, 02:41:37 pm
content: Found this one, which looks nice... but could not find it on any of the big component supplies like digikey, mouser, etc.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 10, 2015, 02:50:03 pm
content: Quote from: mrx79 on January 10, 2015, 02:41:37 pm"could not find"Sure they are there.