I concur heartily with Leon.  While machine screw sockets are great for
single or low count insertion/removal use, but I also highly recommend
the AMP Diplomate series.  I've designed countless boards with various
socketed IC's, and have used many (10's of K's worth) of the Diplomates.
They definitely work...

I, too, have no affiliation w/ AMP, but I know what I like.  There are
other great brands out there - but I only reccomend dual side wiping
models if you are searching the very low cost market.

- Chuck Mauro


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Russell McMahon [SMTP:apptech@CLEAR.NET.NZ]
> Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 1998 3:16 AM
> To:   PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU
> Subject:      Re: OT: IC Sockets
>
> 1.    So called "Machine Screw"  sockets (which have a round
> access hole for the IC pin and a multi blade somewhat
> circular contact) are usually the most reliable moderately
> priced solution, as noted by others. They are not magic and
> not ZIF and will fail if you use them often enough. As also
> noted, putting a "junk" socket (or a second machine screw
> socket) on the PIC and plugging it into the socket on the
> PCB is a very time honoured trick. However ...
>
> 2.    Sockets which make no great official claim to multiuse
> but which I have found extremely good in practical use are
> the AMP "Diplomate" series. These are very low cost and
> appear to be similar to any number of other brands of
> sockets. However, while some other brands have proven
> woefully inadequate "in the field" for even a single
> insertion application, I consider the diplomates perform far
> beyond their price bracket.
>
> Disclaimer:
>
>     - Caveat Emptor
>     - I have no association with AMP whatsoever (apart from
> being a satisfied customer)
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Leon Heller <leon@LFHELLER.DEMON.CO.UK>
> Date: Sunday, 18 January 1998 19:19
> Subject: Re: OT: IC Sockets
>
>
> >In message <19980117154325.4163.qmail@hotmail.com>, Charles
> Laforge
> ><cjoachim@HOTMAIL.COM> writes
> >>Hi there
> >>
> >>For my application I will be using standard (as opposed to
> ZIF) sockets
> >>to hold the PICs.  Can anyone recommend some that are
> better than others
> >>for numerous inserting/removing of chips.  I will be using
> an adapter
> >>for development work which will be made using a ZIF socket
> but I cannot
> >>afford a ZIF for every board nor do I have enough board
> space for one.
> >>I'm not too sure if I'm being very clear.... let me try
> again.  I need
> >>good quality IC sockets which will not damage my PICs
> after numerous
> >>insertion and removal cycles?  Hows that... better?
> >>
> >