What's the pin connector for pinned pots and switches? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: phdinfunk
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 22, 2017, 09:20:36 pm
content: So, I get annoyed when I have to solder wire to pins.And I was looking at some pots and switches with pins on them. The pitch of all the pins is the same. Does that mean there is some kind of standard connector I could use?It's a lot bigger than DuPont connectors, whatever it is. But what is it?PS: I'm trying to attach and display a photo of these connectors as well. My forum skills here aren't top-notch yet, so I've got as far as putting a file on the bottom. I hope that's cool.

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2017, 10:57:43 pm
content: They're PCB switches and pots. I know of no standard "connector" otherwise.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 22, 2017, 11:29:28 pm
content: Quote from: Benta on November 22, 2017, 10:57:43 pm+1Having a consistent pitch on anything doesn't mean it was meant for a connector. You could make a switch with a haphazard array of connections which will still do the job, but "neatness counts" - so regular pin pitch is how these things get designed. Besides, there are enough variables in component selection, so having a select few variations on pin pitch makes life easier.The other thing to be aware of is this: These pins are designed for soldering - not for connectors. Their surface will not be really suitable for a reliable connection, especially long term. Connector design is a science all its own.

author: Nusa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2017, 11:30:40 pm
content: Nothing standard for pcb solder terminals, although you might be able to find some connectors that will work on a case-to-case basis.A common solution is to create a breakout board for one or more components, which will in turn support whatever connector(s) you want to use. Still have to solder the components to the board.Another option, depending on what your component sources offer, is to order them with leads already attached. Or with more solder-friendly ring-terminals. Or even with screw-terminals on larger components.

author: phdinfunk
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 01:16:39 am
content: Thanks for the tips.I was kind of afraid it might be made for PCB connection. But the size is so close-looking to some of the connectors I've seen.One thing I hadn't known or considered is that while I might be able to make a connector work, they're not designed for it, so it there's a great chance it wouldn't reliably work well..... compared to Molex or Dupont, which I like, or even IEC ribbons -- which I don't like but have to admit they hold just fine.Anyways, this solves my problem. Those were less-than-carefully-ordered anyways, so I'll switch to something with soldering lugs on it on my next order and try to use some perf to make a little breakout board to make use of those parts.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 01:52:14 am
content: I would suggest you try soldering some flyleads to them.At 5mm spacing, they're not impossible to solder to and it would be good practice for those times when you are going to get stuck with such a challenge.One tip: Plan the order of the pins you solder to - so that your iron doesn't try to desolder previously made joints.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 07:21:44 pm
content: I’ve taken normal headers and soldered them directly onto the PCB pins of the pots to make them breadboard friendly. Works great!