Good to know. I was thinking of running the copper traces to only the pins I need to program the 16F872. That would put more force on just those pins. However, that would limit me to just that device. I'll experiment with different strengths of rubber-bands, springs, etc. Also have some C-clamps and a large vice :-) Cheers, -Neil. -----Original Message----- From: pic microcontroller discussion list [mailto:PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU]On Behalf Of Drew Vassallo Sent: Friday, May 31, 2002 11:42 AM To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU Subject: Re: [PIC]: Anyone used this device before?... >It was an exercise in how I could get this done with stuff >I have laying around the house... > http://www.avn-tech.com/stuff/SOIC-Adapter.jpg Note: you'll need a LOT more downforce on the pins than those rubber bands can provide. Even pushing with your fingers is tough because you have to literally flex any pin that isn't precisely aligned with all the other pins into position. It takes a good 5-10 pounds of force on the pins to really ensure they're seated. If you've ever used a real SMD socket, you'll notice that the force required to close the lid is quite high... the force transmitted to the pins themselves is tremendous. --Andrew _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com -- http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList mailto:piclist-unsubscribe-request@mitvma.mit.edu -- http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList mailto:piclist-unsubscribe-request@mitvma.mit.edu