Cheap solderable easy to use power connectors? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2018, 01:33:39 pm
content: For any small project (e.g. as simple as a small LED light), I wonder about the right connector to use. By right, I don't necessarily refer to specifications and quality, rather ease of integration, non-SMD, PCB not required (since some are point to point), and a low price point in batch. I am mostly looking at things like cheap Chinese connectors, since I do not need some particular quality for experiments. I do not need a special size/shape requirement, as I'm looking for something I can just add to a project to get power to it.Ideally, a type of connector that is easy to buy in a batch and then use for all similar (non power intensive) projects.I considered using MicroUSB, since they are relatively standard these days, and it's usually not difficult to find a MicroUSB cable around (plus adds compatibility with most USB chargers), but MicroUSB connectors are rather small, and not easy to solder for me. I'm surprised that there are even 2.5 and 3 amp versions these days by some manufacturers (small but powerful it seems). There are those MicroUSB break out boards which are more simple to solder to.Then there are DC connectors, but these would usually required specialized DC/USB cable for connections to 5v compatible projects. Such cables can be made, though, and are also available from China. Chinese kits often come with DC connectors.There might be other connector types that can be used as well. Is there some type you like to use "universally" when power is needed, and/or do you have any recommendations?

author: paulca
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2018, 08:04:04 pm
content: Get the hardwork done for youhttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10pcs-Female-Micro-USB-to-DIP-Adapter-Converter-PCB-Breakout-Board-Module/282680275886?epid=5008661334&hash=item41d10eb3ae:g:XagAAOSw7z1aOrP-Also these are handy:https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-Pairs-Male-Female-2-1x5-5mm-DC-Power-Jack-Plug-Adapter-Connector-for-CCTV/192412566123?hash=item2cccaec26b:g:5QAAAOSwopRYbSnfYou can bend the 5V/GND pins of a USB micro breakout back and they fit into the DC jack terminal blocks, making an adapter.If you need males, these are harder to find:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Micro-2-0-USB-Type-B-Plug-5-pin-for-brazing-Assembly-solderable-straight-black/142309748849?hash=item2122527071:g:eg0AAOSwgyxWUgf8But one solution is to just buy a batch of 0.5m micro usb leads and snip them, solder your +5/GND and heatshrink it up tidy.A more PCB orientated option are JST connectors. There are dozens of types, but you can by 2 pin power versions (usually red) pretty cheap, though more suited to battery connections.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JST-CONNECTOR-PAIR-1-MALE-1-FEMALE-WITH-20cm-20AWG-SILICON-WIRE-BATTERY-CABLE/152011638116?_trkparms=ao%3D1%26asc%3D20170912102017%26meid%3Df50610253d7a4914913b87218e680d5e%26pid%3D100706%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26%26itm%3D152011638116&_trksid=p2045573.c100706.m4781They are also fairly compatible with standard spaced PCB pin headers.For anything 0-5amps I typically use DC jacks. Anything that might get over 5-60Amps I use XT60s or 4mm banana plugs.

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2018, 08:21:43 pm
content: Quote from: paulca on January 27, 2018, 08:04:04 pmYou sure did, thanks!