PCB Wires attaching

1

Hi core support,

Cool PCB design and machines
I am interested in making some PCB’s for projects and have started with some of the protoboards like that adafruit ones… I was wondering if there is a best way to attach wires cheaply without the clamp block things.
I saw these but im not to sure how they work to stop the wires snapping cuz they might move a bit PCB Pins 0.9mm - Pack of 50 Australia

thnks everyone :slight_smile:

2

Hi William,

I’d suggest grabbing some header pins - 10 Pcs 40 Pin Headers - Straight Australia

Most boards use 2.54mm (0.1") spacing. That way you can just use some jumper cables.

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3

Hi William
These “clamp block things” you refer to are I think terminal blocks. They are put there to facilitate an easy non solder connection and are useful in he experimental stage of a project where connections are made and unmade periodically. Also in higher current applications where a larger wire is required they will accommodate a wide range of wire sizes. The finished product may retain them or replace with a connector depends on circumstances.

These are PC board pins or stakes. I don’t know what you mean by “move a bit”. They are normally inserted into the board (short end) and soldered. They would be used as a wire connection point (solder connection) where a wire has to be removed for board access or experiment and fitting the wire through a board hole would be impossible or not desirable. Continual rework of through hole connections usually results in damage to the board. They could be used as a temporary or in a lot of cases permanent connection point. Some care needs to be taken when soldering wire to these and needs to be done quickly or the solder in the board may melt with the possibility of a “dry” joint.
Another use for this type of pin is convenient test points. Particularly at one or more “Gnd” positions to connect the “Gnd” lead of test equipment.

As Olivers suggested use of “header” pins is also good. These can be used in the same way. Just cut off the number of pins required from the strip. As Oliver says these also fit the pre terminated jumper wires with female connectors available from Core and are good for experimental connections. If experiment is the main use this would be the way to go.

Cheers Bob

4

hi guys,

thnks for the response…
Oliver33 - the headers look cool but dp they come appart? I was looking for some more permanent solders.

Robert93820 - ahhh terminal blocks, I saw those on youtube I think. awesome!! I’ll try those as well.
in my proto boards they snap from moving side to side lots when I’m testing and sometimes they snap😥
is there a good way to solder the pins so it doesn’t snap like thay. I was just putting the multi wire straight into the protoboard
I’ll try thise as well

yea I am trying to get some pcbs done from JLCPCB

thnks lots guys!!

5

Hi William,

Neat find, another solution might be to solder the wires in as usual and use some heat-shrink to create a little bit of strain relief where the solder moves up the wire.

Very good calls Oliver and Robert. love learning from the both of you.

I look forward to see what you make William!

Liam.

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6

You cut off as many pins as you want, 1, 2, 3 etc

You need to be more careful. If you are soldering to pin use some heat shrink for strain relief as Liam said. If manhandled too much wire is prone to break at the point where the solder ends. Careless stripping of the insulation will contribute to this also. Use proper strippers, not side cutters or other such tools. Using cheap tools does not help the cause at the end of the day.

There is only one way to make a good solder joint. The right way.

For prototyping and experimenting using pins and jumper wires terminated with female sockets saves a lot of headache soldering and unsoldering wires at the development stage.
Cheers Bob

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