Mounting Handheld DMM to boards - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Mattjd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 02:39:27 am
content: Hello.I'm looking at a way to rig up some kind of holding mechanism for my digital multimeters and digital analog.I want to buy thishttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K7NDBZQ/ref=twister_B00K8EWFVU?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1Attach a board to the vesa mount and then mount my DMM's and analog discovery, using the bottom try to hold my soldering iron. This way I can attach it to my large computer desk.Having a difficult time finding suitable hardware to mount the DMM and analog discovery. Best thing I found was to use a bunch of these thingshttps://www.amazon.com/ARKON-AP032-VSM-Specific-Horizontal-Cconverts/dp/B002BA503Y/ref=pd_bxgy_107_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=W37G2VXMSW10B32Q2YP1https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Holder-iPhone-Galaxy-Retail/dp/B004IMCVW6/ref=pd_cp_107_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=T2YP5FY5QVHK88PJX6V0buying 4 of those combos is expensive though! Surely there is a better hardware solution that can be found at a big box retailer. I'm not having any luck doing so. I'd the equipment to hang from the board but not be permanently attached.

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 02:50:47 am
content: Velcro tape. Likethis?

author: Mattjd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 03:00:56 am
content: Quote from: mtdoc on February 12, 2017, 02:50:47 amSorry, but I was looking for something a bit more sturdy. Should have mentioned what I did NOT want to use.

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 03:14:37 am
content: Quote from: Mattjd on February 12, 2017, 03:00:56 amWell short of bolting them down with straps - which would be more permanent, I don't think you'll get much sturdier than using that industrial strength velcro across the back of the DMMs and Analog Discovery. I think you'd find it would take quite a bit of force to move or remove them.

author: Mattjd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 03:18:15 am
content: Quote from: mtdoc on February 12, 2017, 03:14:37 ami didnt even know there was such a thing as industrial strength velcro...this is why I didnt buy $50+ worth of those phone holders.

author: Gregg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 03:37:39 am
content: Try an Amazon search for "Ram Mounts" and you will find a great variety of really neat solutions. Be sure to search for other sellers as Amazon may not be the cheapest source.

author: Mattjd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 04:00:49 am
content: Went with the velcro, had no idea of the varying qualities or its uses in NASA and such.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 08:34:15 pm
content: Quote from: Mattjd on February 12, 2017, 04:00:49 amReally good stuff IME.FWIW, I intend to use a monitor arm for my DS1054Z (bend some aluminum 90 degrees & bolt to the VESA mount) and attach the scope with to the aluminum using Velcro.

author: Mattjd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 10:11:42 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on February 12, 2017, 08:34:15 pmnice. I boughthttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0010SY3L8/ref=asc_df_B0010SY3L84830095/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B0010SY3L8&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167148637601&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12093142923700350848&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003849&hvtargid=pla-276024159345to hold my PSU under my desk. Its gonna be rad.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 10:14:36 pm
content: I'd drill countersunk holes in the rubber holster and then bolt it down that way.

author: Mattjd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 10:33:17 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 12, 2017, 10:14:36 pmI see what you're saying. Like right through the face of the holder, using a countersink will make it flush and therefore not interfere with the DMM at all.

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 10:37:49 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 12, 2017, 10:14:36 pmThat'd work well for DMMs with holsters but not for the Analog Discovery. But if you want to remove the DMMs for other uses they'll be naked and vulnerableAlso, it occurred to me that for some DMM's - those with protruding lead holders on the back - that don't have much flat surface area on the back. The velcro may not work well. But if you took them out of their holsters it would solve that issue.This thread has me thinking of using a bit of velcro on some of my DMMs just to stick them to wall or shelf for organization purposes. Small amounts of velcro would work well for that. Holding them to a vertical surface will take more velcro and more force to remove. According to their info, a 2 x4 inch strip of the industrial strength holds up to 8 lbs

author: Mattjd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 10:41:59 pm
content: Quote from: mtdoc on February 12, 2017, 10:37:49 pmI think he was referring to through thishttps://www.amazon.com/Universal-Holder-iPhone-Galaxy-Retail/dp/B004IMCVW6/ref=pd_cp_107_3?_encoding=UTF8&p;refRID=T2YP5FY5QVHK88PJX6V0;sc=1&But you may be right.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 11:13:00 pm
content: Quote from: mtdoc on February 12, 2017, 10:37:49 pmThe analog discovery would be a classic case for velcro. Smooth back surface, small and light weight.

author: avrishuvorlaz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2017, 12:03:19 am
content: I would glue some thick mounting posts to the back of the meter, maybe with 2 part "Araldite", that do not obscure the battery compartment and screws, then make sure the ends that mate to the PCB are all sanded flush and level, then align the "stood-off" meter to the board and bolt/screw into the posts from the other side of the PCB. You could have some form of quick-release fasteners for this, so that removing the meter and changing the battery was easily achieved.I wouldn't be thrilled about drilling holes into rubber/PVC holsters - if they're drilled through a flexible medium, what's to say that medium won't stretch open and allow the screws to slip through, if the meter is knocked or subjected to vibration.