Perfboard standoff terminals (vintage DIY kits, clocks) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: iroc86
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2021, 02:59:47 pm
content: This question surely has a simple answer...I have a couple old DIY clocks that my dad built in the late '70s using the then-ubiquitous MM5314N clock chip. Based on the construction, I presume they were one-offs and not kits. In the designs, he mounted the components on some kind of terminal standoff. I've looked around for these terminals, but I have no idea what to call them or where to find them (if they're even available anymore). I don't think they're wire wrap terminals, since they appear to be folded over to hold a component lead.Sadly, my dad is no longer around to ask, so I thought I'd reach out here. Has anyone seen these terminals before? Were they common for DIYers back then? The clock in the attached photos dates from 1978-79.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2021, 03:07:17 pm
content: Search keywords: bifurcated pcb pin

author: fastguido
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2021, 04:26:35 pm
content: Very cool to have some of your dads work. Beautiful construction!

author: t0m
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2021, 04:36:36 pm
content: Beautiful to see. Something to remember him by,

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2021, 04:37:57 pm
content: I used these Vector-brand terminals before 1970, and I vaguely remember that we called them “flea clips” (God only knows why) in Vector perf-board. Mouser doesn’t show them from Vector, only bifurcated contacts on wire-wrap bottoms. That is what I use now in prototyping PC boards with 0.040” holes, pulling the long tails through to seat the interference-fit, and then cut off the unwanted length below after soldering.

author: iroc86
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2021, 04:50:06 pm
content: Thanks for the kind words, guys. My dad was doing technical work in those days and ultimately got into management (my story as well, it seems, ha) and kind of got out of electronics. It's neat to have some old artifacts from the time period. The individual transistor sockets kill me... although I suppose it makes sense when the components were a lot more expensive! Futureproofing and reparability. All of these clocks still work great after 40+ years.I appreciate the tips on the wire connectors. Just as Tim replied back about Vector, I had pulled up some old literature when searching for the bifurcated pins (see attached; I definitely wouldn't have guessed those search terms!). It turns out the DigiKey still sells the Vector pins for .040" and .062" holes. Using the flipped wire wrap leads is a good idea, too.TERMINAL MICRO .042"HOLE 100/PKGTERMINAL MINI .062" HOLE 100/PKG

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2021, 05:09:01 pm
content: Yes, those are they—don’t know why Mouser doesn’t have them. I do remember plain Vectorboard coming in 0.040” holes on 0.10” centers and 0.062” holes on 5/32” centers. The current Vector catalog shows some other combinations.