Parts too small for breadboard? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: sci4me
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2016, 08:48:31 pm
content: Hey guys! So, this may sound like a dumb question but bear with me.I am working on a project that uses small 5V DPDT relays (these ones to be specific:http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/kemet/EC2-5NU/399-11052-5-ND/4291118).The obvious problem with these is that they do not properly fit in a breadboard.What I want to know is what is the best way to prototype with these relays? What would you guys recommend?

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2016, 09:10:14 pm
content: Why do you think they won't fit in a breadboard?. Have you tried?It looks like from the data sheet that lead spacing is 2.54 and 5.08 mm. This should fit exactly with standard 0.1" (2.54mm) breadboard tie points.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2016, 09:16:36 pm
content: Quote from: mtdoc on September 15, 2016, 09:10:14 pmThey will fit into some random holes, but they will not fit across the central divider, where they can actually be used.I'd just use protoboard to create a simple break out board.

author: sci4me
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2016, 09:59:57 pm
content: Found what I believe to be the best solution: stick them into some IC sockets. It bends their pins but it works.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 02:19:17 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on September 15, 2016, 09:16:36 pmThis ^ ^ ^The centre divider has a spacing of 3 holes of 2.54mm (0.1") pitch, which is perfect for good old fashioned DIP packages - but this relay has a spacing of 2 holes in the relevant dimension.The breakout board is the best way to resolve this - but the OP has made a similar approach, with a little less sophistication. But if it works, who's to argue?Also, I would suggest the relay stays in the IC socket, for reliability reasons.

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 03:36:25 am
content: Quote from: Brumby on September 16, 2016, 02:19:17 amYep. My bad. Was thinking 2 hole spacing along the center divider.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 11:35:28 am
content: Quote from: sci4me on September 15, 2016, 09:59:57 pmbreadboard is already dip IC compatible without a socket.btw 1) if pins go into random location not aligned to breadboard holes then i'll solder some suitable thick copper wires to the relay legs, extending like 10-20mm length and bend the copper wires, so relay pin will not risk damage. 2) if component is too small like soic, 0603 smds etc, i'll make breakout board with dip male header out of copper clad or protoboard.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 01:10:04 pm
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on September 16, 2016, 11:35:28 amNo mystery:....Quote from: Brumby on September 16, 2016, 02:19:17 amSo the OP has used a DIP socket - and obviously splayed the relay pins to make them fit.

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 06:39:52 pm
content: I made a similar n00b mistake myself with my one project - I paid attention to the coil voltage and current, and the contact ratings on the data sheet for the relays I needed, and totally ignored the physical dimensions. So now I have 10 pcs of a tiny relay similar to that one. Sure, the coil won't overload my micro, and the contacts can switch way over the expected current, but the things are so itty bitty it's hard to work with them. For breadboarding my project I just used male to female DuPont leads to connect the relays to the rest of the circuit on the board. Pretty sure I will go searching for physically larger relays to build up the final circuit, just to make it easier to attach wires going to the external screw terminals.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2016, 11:34:39 pm
content: I would probably just put them in the board sideways. Or not at all, and just breadboard the control circuitry, if possible.

author: Back2Volts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 17, 2016, 03:37:12 pm
content: Those relays are really small and not that expensive for the size. I have a project in mind that will need 16. I was thinking to use some of those Chinese opto isolated boards with the blue relays, but I think they will be a bit bulky. I may just use something like those relays.

author: BMack
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2016, 09:27:52 pm
content: They make jumpers that are female to male, you can insert a lead in one side and the male end in the board. First one I found on eBay:http://www.ebay.com/itm/40Pcs-20cm-Male-to-Female-Dupont-Wire-Jumper-Cable-for-Arduino-Breadboard-VF-A-/262623196575

author: Back2Volts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 17, 2016, 09:47:07 pm
content: Quote from: BMack on September 17, 2016, 09:27:52 pmIt happens that I ordered the ones below yesterday with a bunch of other parts from the same seller. Similar but in four 10x bundles.http://www.ebay.com/itm/380625930511?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

author: fubar.gr
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 17, 2016, 11:23:47 pm
content: I had a similar problem recently.In my case the relay pin pitch was compatible with the brradboard and it could stradle the center divider alright.But the pins were quite thinner than the typical .5 mm and rather short, so it wasn't making a reliable connection. I could feel that the pins were just touching the top of the metal stripes inside the breadboard.I ended up using a slightly bigger relay with longer, thicker pins that would insert properly, so I dont really have a solution!

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2016, 11:00:29 pm
content: I've used machined male and female headers, soldered to ribbon cable, to make breakout cables for this problem. The machined female headers make reliable contact with short, thin component leads that the storebought dupont jumpers don't hold reliably.