How to protect pin headers on a board? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: victorhooi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2024, 03:34:28 pm
content: I have several small modules that have pin headers soldered onto them. (If you're curious, Flipper Zero modules I ordered from Tindie):

author: dferyance
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2024, 03:59:16 pm
content: If you've got something with 2 rows, you might be able to put an IDC connector on it just to keep things lined up.But really, if this is a problem, you are probably better off removing the pin header. If you don't have something connected to it, no need to have it.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2024, 04:19:26 pm
content: same toughts on any empty idc single row dual row connector (no cable in it)you can apply the same tricks on other connectors type / sizes etc .... or put them in some anti static storage bags ...enclosures in anti static foam, not the white foam or any other color but anti static pink, not the ordinary pink lollmetallic enclosure ...white foam ... trash this, static ...

author: JustMeHere
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2024, 04:26:45 pm
content: Convert them to female headers.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2024, 05:26:41 pm
content: Quote from: dferyance on June 26, 2024, 03:59:16 pmQuote from: JustMeHere on June 26, 2024, 04:26:45 pmIf you guys had bothered to actually read the OP, you'd know that they are boards toplug into a Flipper Zero. Since they must plug into an existing device, it is that device that dictates what kind of connector must be used. The Flipper Zero has female sockets, so mating boards must use male headers.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2024, 05:37:40 pm
content: Quote from: victorhooi on June 26, 2024, 03:34:28 pmIt'll probably take a long time before the foam is actually worn out!But chunks of black antistatic foam would be even better -- there are soft ones and firm ones.You could use ESD transportation containers like the ones made byProtektive Pak, who sells both impregnated cardboard, corrugated plastic, and solid plastic containers with foam inside. Those work great for little modules without needing to make specific cutouts. Look at their part numbers 8521, 57021, 37033, and 38841 for examples of different types.Or you could get those silver static-shielding bags (small ones), put each board in one, and then put those in some kind of box. Just don't stuff them in roughly.If you're really ambitious, you could get antistatic filament for a 3D printer and make custom cases.

author: dferyance
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2024, 03:17:55 pm
content: QuoteI have no idea what a Flipper Zero is. All I heard was there were these dang pin headers getting bent and how to avoid. The pin headers aren't really great for something that needs to get plugged in and unplugged a lot. Normally you want a connector designed for that. Just the act of plugging and unplugging will often bend pins.Maybe solder a box header on it? The box will help protect the pins. Converting to female headers may be possible. I've done this, put in a female header and use the extra long male-to-male pins in between. You have more connections going on so there could be reliability issues but you'll have them anyway with swapping out modules.

author: JustMeHere
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2024, 10:49:02 pm
content: Quote from: tooki link=topic=432819.msg5555093#msg5555093Then jummper.the two.boards together. Not particularly hard to figure out.Please quit bothering to face palm and flame on this forum.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2024, 12:15:56 am
content: Your image is broken but shrouded pin headers are available. Back when floppy and hard drives used ribbon cables, all mobos had them.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2024, 10:42:42 am
content: Quote from: amyk on June 29, 2024, 12:15:56 amWon’t work here, since the Flipper Zero’s female headers are flush with the housing. :/

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2024, 10:44:11 am
content: Quote from: JustMeHere on June 28, 2024, 10:49:02 pmIt’s not a “flame” to point out that you didn’t consider OP’s stated constraints.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2024, 10:50:47 am
content: Quote from: dferyance on June 28, 2024, 03:17:55 pmhttps://www.google.com/search?q=Flipper+ZeroQuote from: dferyance on June 28, 2024, 03:17:55 pmSure, when you’re designing a system from scratch you’d do that. But since these boards have to interface with an existing product, one has to deal with what it has, suboptimal as it may be.Quote from: dferyance on June 28, 2024, 03:17:55 pmWon’t work here unfortunately, since the Flipper Zero’s female headers are flush with the housing.