Test clip that latches into PCB holes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2015, 09:18:41 pm
content: I have a variety of probes, clips, clamps, grabbers, etc but have not found a way to lock into various holes on a PCB. It seems like it would be a common problem. In my case, the goal is to test PCB's before I hand populate headers and connectors. in a production world this may be done with a bed of nails, but this is a prototype or small batch problem where I just want to place 6-7 leads on the PCB for initial power-up, programming, testing, etc. Holes are .020" to .060" (.5mm to 1.5mm).This is for low speed use, just checking DC voltage so I don't need anything for high-frequency or high power. They will terminate at 34401 DMM's in general.Does anyone know of something that will solve this one.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2015, 10:17:36 pm
content: I should think it would be pretty easy for someone to make an internal grabber sort of mechanism, or like a micro banana plug in that it has springy leaves on the sides, but much smaller (maybe using only two leaves/pins, in a "()" shape).Don't know of anything offhand though.You can use straight pins (available on test leads or jumpers, if you like), but you risk them being intermittent. Sometimes the strain of the wire tugging on it is enough to hold a contact, sometimes not.Normally when you want test points, you use traditional grabbers and clips, and add pins or test points, e.g., Keystone 5000, 5015, FCI 68001-101HLF, etc.You could also add large pads on the board for alligator clips to grab the board itself, if that's handy. Would take up an awful lot of space, but might be handy for higher current applications. Still, in such a case, you'd probably be using 1/4" QC terminals (even easier to grab), or any kind of terminal block (screws, pluggable?), so I'm not sure how useful this would usually be...Tim

author: georges80
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2015, 10:26:51 pm
content: I know exactly what you are trying to do! Unfortunately I've not found anything in my various searches.One would assume it is a common prototyping/testing need. Sort of an anti-gripper that opens the two spring metal wires apart when you release pressure on the clip's spring loaded head. So, squeeze the gripper's head to bring the wires together, push them through the test hole, release the head and the gripper locks into the hole as the bottom wires spread apart.Maybe just requires some mechanical wizard to design it...cheers,george.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2015, 10:32:54 pm
content: Quote from: rx8pilot on August 14, 2015, 09:18:41 pmProbably a bit late to do this now but for small runs bring traces needed to one point and populate with 25 thou TH pins just for test and programming.

author: fivefish
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2015, 10:42:58 pm
content: Grab a second identical PCB, solder your pins/headers on this 2nd PCB. (Pogo pins on eBay are cheap). Wire them up to whatever you need to do/measure/etc.Then place your PCB (under test) on top of the 1st PCB. Hold in place with hand, or use mechanical means to keep in place (against the spring loaded pogo pins).

author: unitedatoms
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2015, 10:46:11 pm
content: There is something similar. I first saw this connector in a magazine adTag-Connect for JTAG. It clips into holes, but needs the exposed pads for contact

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2015, 10:46:52 pm
content: Quote from: georges80 on August 14, 2015, 10:26:51 pm

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2015, 10:49:25 pm
content: Quote from: fivefish on August 14, 2015, 10:42:58 pmI have pogo pins on the way....lets see how it works.Quote from: unitedatoms on August 14, 2015, 10:46:11 pmI have been using these for a couple of years now - totally awesome. They require a special layout and hole pattern. I am looking for a single hole solution the spring clips into a typical hole.

author: steve_w
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2015, 10:50:10 pm
content: Good one fivefish,If you went to the trouble of making a board why not put a header on it or if realestate is a problem put pins in the holes?or just use the EZ hooks to grab resistor leads ?regardsSteve W