Im doing a little project with the Seeed XIAO ESP32C3 and i want to access the EN and the BATT connections which are on the underbelly of the beast.
ideally i didnt want to solder to these each time (i have a quite few of these little projects to build) and wondering IF or has anyone got suggestions or experience in utlising these underside pins with a PCB design/connection. or simply i need to get stronger glasses and solder each and everyone of the XIAO’s ? I have look at pogo pins but as these little units in high vibration enviroments im worried that may jepadise reliable connection for the BATT and EN contacts
While I haven’t specifically used Pogo Pins with the XIAO boards, I have always found pogo pins to be a neat and tidy way of connecting two boards with ease.
I would not worry about high vibrations as long as the pogo pins are securely connected to the board beneath them and the two boards are held tightly together. Those pins are going to be as secure as the standoffs themselves.
Hi @Phil210256 - I have used various styles of pogo pins (most with different contact types), and whilst fine for simple testing points and some “less difficult” installations may not be suitable for your product.
For a good “sharp” contact, the pads may eventually get worn down, especially with vibrations.
If possible, mount the XIOA directly to the PCB (SMT reflow).
If that’s not possible, one technique used by the dedicated Seeed users, is to place thruhole pads under the specific XIAO pads with a sufficient hole size to allow for solder to flow through the pad onto the XIAO. The solder (as a paste) can also be applied prior to placing the XIAO (“ie poor man’s SMT”).
Thanks Gary, yes i thought the vibration on the pogo and pad would be an issue, i think maybe i’ll try the thru hole idea for my short run or protypes and if the project goes further and more quanity i’ll just perhaps get the JLC/PCB Way sort of guys to load them up for me
