PCB links - what are these ones called? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 04:53:21 am
content: I'm trying to find some robust PCB links like in the jpg below.They used to be used in 80's telecoms gear. The springiness of the wire ensures a good contact and they are pretty much vibration proof. They're easily set in the field with big thumbs and a screwdriver or tweezers.RS/Farnell/Digikey don't seem to have them.Any ideas where to get them or alternative robust links?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 05:08:24 am
content: Do you want to break a connection or have a test point?Those little beauties would seem to offer both.

author: Daniyal
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 05:16:47 am
content: That looks interesting, never seen one like that...probably way before my time..

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 06:24:00 am
content: I guess telecom techs are more ham-fisted than the usual kinds? Nah... can't be... they're all.....Ahem, but seriously, the fattest I've seen are "suitcase" jumpers. More traditional, the 0.1" female shorting block, often seen in computer hardware (well, now-vintage hardware that wasn't PnP, I suppose). Which are still going strong today, at least at the dev kit level, if perhaps less on the motherboard and peripheral side of things.Tim

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 07:08:42 am
content: These?http://www.digikey.nl/product-detail/en/te-connectivity-alcoswitch-switches/1393546-1/450-1782-ND/3283584They are standard dip size. What's wrong with a dip switch?

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 10:04:03 am
content: Quote from: Daniyal on May 23, 2016, 05:16:47 amThey could be, I'm an old timer.......Quote from: Jeroen3 on May 23, 2016, 07:08:42 amThat's very similar to what I want, thanks. They seem to be unavailable, I'll check the p/n with other suppliers.DIP switches are a bit small and fiddly - with the application I have in mind the end user would probably end up having the DIPs all off rather than all on etc!Quote from: T3sl4co1l on May 23, 2016, 06:24:00 amThe suitcase jumpers are ok but are costly and the links can get lost. The 0.1" links tend to get lost in field applications, it this case the field really may be the middle of a field.Thanks for the replies gents.Edit: Yikes, MOQ is 5000 at one of my suppliers!Edit2: Manuf website shows parts as obsolete which explains the lack of detail on the suppliers pages.

author: IanJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 10:49:39 am
content: Another link:http://www.digikey.nl/product-search/en?keywords=dip-fixPS. Have seen these before in kit......but I never knew you could get change-over contact versions!.....awesome!Ian.

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 12:41:23 pm
content: Quote from: IanJ on May 23, 2016, 10:49:39 amThey were common in some telecom exchange gear 30+ years ago. I remember both single and 2-way versions. I don't ever recall them causing problems unlike the slide style DIP switches that used to be erratic or intermittent occasionally.Following the links back the manufacturer it looks like they've all been obsoleted.

author: Pjotr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 01:19:45 pm
content: Yes, those things are something of the past despite their robustness and low contact resistance. Agree, DIP switches can be wacky and unreliable. Your alternative is to use 0.1" 3-row pin headers + jumpers.

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2016, 01:30:10 am
content: Quote from: Pjotr on May 23, 2016, 01:19:45 pmI might have to go that way. People (including me) always lose seem to lose the jumpers..........

author: Marco
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2016, 02:08:29 am
content: Put some extra headers on a spare bit of PCB with spares

author: Pjotr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2016, 06:59:50 am
content: Quote from: DTJ on May 24, 2016, 01:30:10 amThat is why I suggest to use3rows. Use one dummy row to store unused junpers and "junp" one over when needed (kind the same as dip switches).

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2016, 11:52:50 am
content: Quote from: Pjotr on May 24, 2016, 06:59:50 amYep, I understand that. Having a parking spot for the jumpers helps retain them. These will likely be set up in the field, if someone drops one and loses it they will be screwed. Looks like DIP switches might have to be the solution.Cheers.