Where to get inexpensive connectors for "ball-top" test points? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: ballen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2019, 08:19:23 pm
content: I need to build a breakout board for a piece of electronics from the 1990s that I want to repair and calibrate. That piece of 1990s electronics has about 30 test points of a type that I have not seen before. These are gold-plated pins with a 1mm diameter gold-plated ball on top. Does someone know where I can get inexpensive connectors that "plug into" those ball-top test points?Some googling turned up "Snaplox" test points and connectors.Here is a link. The problem is that the connectors shown there cost more than 10 Euros each. Does anyone know a source for an inexpensive alternative? I need connectors that can plug onto those 1mm ball-top test points.I can't use small alligator clips or miniature hooks because the board is too crowded.I have not posted here before, so if I picked the wrong forum, please tell me where to go.Thanks, Bruce

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2019, 08:50:50 pm
content: Welcome to the forum.SMD or through hole ?For SMD I use 0805 Keystone test points and they're large enough to take probe hooks.for TH there's plenty of loop style ones available.Examples grabbed from Google.http://icbada.co.kr/shop/shopdetail.html?branduid=118175https://ciiva.com/part/5015-954236https://www.verotl.com/pcb-pins/smt

author: ballen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2019, 09:06:53 pm
content: Dear Tautech, thanks for your response. Unfortunately the board I am repairing does not have those nice loop-top test points. I am repairing a piece of electronics that already hasball-top test pointson it. The question is, where can I get inexpensive connectors that will plug into those? I suggest you glance at the PDF that I linked to, then perhaps you will understand my question better. Thanks! Bruce

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2019, 09:20:17 pm
content: Quote from: ballen on August 08, 2019, 09:06:53 pmYep, that is the problem with those 'nice' ball top test points. I went through this exercise some years back when looking for a cost effective test point solution and went for Keystone SMD test points due to the cost of the ball top points themselves and the outrageous cost of their clip on connectors.Might I suggest your cheapest solution is to replace all the ball top test points with these so to not need special equipment to connect to a test point.Cut tape pricing:https://www.newark.com/keystone/5015/test-point-pcb-smt/dp/50B4581?MER=sy-me-pd-mi-alte

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2019, 09:33:33 pm
content: Make connector yourself - using female contact of right size and heat shrink tubing.https://mt.rsdelivers.com/category/circular-connector-contacts/10768

author: ballen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2019, 09:42:15 pm
content: Ogden, that's a good idea, and I was thinking along the same lines. If I could walk into a shop that had hundreds of connectors then I could try it . But there is no place locally where I can do this. So I am hoping that someone here has already had to make up connectors for these ball-top test points, and can tell mespecifically what connectors will fit these?

author: ballen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2019, 09:43:58 pm
content: Tautech, I am not allowed to modify the board, so I can not replace those test points. I need to find a way to attach to them.

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2019, 09:49:54 pm
content: Quote from: ballen on August 08, 2019, 09:42:15 pmEver heard of datasheets?I just chose search filter "1mm" and got few that looks like good match. All you have - order one of each and try.This one with spring removed could be ok:https://mt.rsdelivers.com/product/phoenix-contact/1618254/phoenix-contact-st-10ks030-series-size-1mm-female/9226400

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2019, 09:53:13 pm
content: Quote from: ballen on August 08, 2019, 09:43:58 pmOk, what about Tek grabbers ?https://www.ebay.com/c/10005923155

author: ballen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2019, 11:20:21 am
content: Quote from: tautech on August 08, 2019, 09:53:13 pmNo space. I need to come in vertically around the pins, and plug directly onto the tops.

author: ballen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2019, 11:27:07 am
content: Quote from: ogden on August 08, 2019, 09:49:54 pmI have read lots of datasheets. But most of the connector ones (including for the Phoenix contacts you suggested) do not show mechanical drawings that are detailed enough to see if they would work correctly with ball-top test points. And even if it looks promising (as this one does) it's impossible to be sure if it will work without trying.That is why I am asking on this forum. I am hoping that someone here has experience with these ball-top test points and has already done the trial-and-error testing.

author: babysitter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2019, 08:13:19 pm
content: Did you consider plucking the socket contacts out simple 100mil socket strips? Or SUB D socket contacts?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2019, 08:28:26 pm
content: Quote from: ballen on August 09, 2019, 11:20:21 amOK, then which size are these ? 1mm or 2mm ?

author: Neomys Sapiens
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2019, 02:39:19 am
content: Oxley makes them. I don't know how many you need - but I would always try to noodle some out of them. If not directly falling for the 'I need to make some special adaptors' lament, threatening them with a 20€ order might push them over he edge!