Breadboarding to the outside world. How do you do it? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2012, 11:02:40 pm
content: Hi.I've been fart-arsing around with a solar hot water control circuit on and off for several months. I have it all working on a breadboard. My problem is when using a breadboard on previous projects, I really have only needed just the four binding connector posts only. My current project has many "outside" connections and is a work in progress as I am adding new components outside.So I basicly have numerous figure-eight wires octupussing away from the breadboard heading off to temp sensors, pump releys, solenoids etc. Sometimes I want to leave the breadboard as it is for a while and put it all on the shelf above the bench and leave running to regain some of my limited bench space of other activities. And then, as time allows, bring it down of the shelf and work on the breadboard again.Currently, I'm connecting alligator wires to short little wires in the breadboard and hitching the other end to the figure-8 wire. If I move it around too much, sooner or later something's going cause the magic smoke.My question is how would you elegantly and reliably maintain a group of numerous cables to a working, semi portable breadboard?

author: StubbornGreek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2012, 11:11:07 pm
content: How about fixing the breadboard to a piece of mdf (or like material) and creating wire leads for the externals you need to connect and hot snotting those leads to the mdf. That way, nothing really moves when you move your project as a whole and disconnect from the external devices. I hope I understood correctly.Quote from: Ed.Kloonk on December 14, 2012, 11:02:40 pm

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2012, 03:08:02 am
content: That's a great idea. Thank you.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2012, 05:10:48 am
content: Multiway connector block and solid wires as well on the MDF backing. If you can find a 2 part one then it makes a convenient plug and socket as well.

author: StubbornGreek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2012, 06:03:43 am
content: Quote from: SeanB on December 15, 2012, 05:10:48 amNow we're cooking with gas.

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2012, 07:05:18 am
content: Quote from: StubbornGreek on December 15, 2012, 06:03:43 amI keep that idea for later when I get another BB and could quickly swap out one after I've finished working on the other one. And repeat.This is how I've connected the wires now.And to stop them from pulling out of the BB, I've used a cable tie wrapped around one of the binding posts and taped the wires into a loom.Not quite as "bullet-proof" as I intended, but it is now off the bench and working happily. I can move it around as long as I'm a bit careful.I had forgotten what the bench looks like.Thanks guys for the ideas.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2012, 07:38:13 am
content: Or you can just make a bracket to hold a DB25 or other easily soldered connector to the side of your breadboard, or MDF base. The connector half attached to the breadboard can have solid core jumper wires to where ever the circuit needs. All the external wires connect to the mating plug. Makes for very easily moving it all out of the way when needed.You can also have multiple versions of the external side of the connector, for different configurations.I usually do this for the power supply to breadboards, even when there's no other IO.Incidentally, plywood is much nicer than MDF for a base, since it takes screws so much better and doesn't fall apart after a few in/out cycles.

author: Skimask
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2012, 10:39:45 am
content: And the first time that MDF gets even slightly moist, it'll swell up and fall apart just that much faster.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2012, 11:59:13 am
content: You should see what machine tool cutting fluid does to chipboard. The fluid is mostly water but with additives that seem to accelerate absorption into chipboard enormously. It's like insta-gib in real life.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2012, 12:30:48 pm
content: Only the modern board made after they stopped curing with aldehyde resin. You find 30 year old board that will happily sit in water for months with no problems. Even the modern marine grade ones swell after prolonged immersion.