On 31 Jan 2018 at 11:26, RussellMc wrote: > On 30 January 2018 at 16:53, Brent Brown wrote: > > These look cool, don't think I've seen them mentioned on the PIClist > > before: > > > > http://www.tag-connect.com/catalog/5 > > http://www.tag-connect.com/tag-connect-pinout-specifications >=20 > I love the $US1 paperclip. > http://www.tag-connect.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/product/ClipHan= ger.JPG Clever, but I'm just as likely to loose the paper clip. > The system looks pretty. > But, why are these thought to be superior to "Pogo pins" and an array of > holes or holeless-pads on a PCB? >=20 > The pogo pin "plug" can be custom built but it is likely that existing > multi-contact modules exist. It not really much more than that... the extra bits are the 3 x (stainless?= ) steel=20 alignment/orientation pins, and they've gone to the trouble of specifying d= imensions=20 and standard cable pinouts for typical programmers (like Microchip ICD), an= d you=20 can buy a finished cable off the shelf. The dimensions are getting pretty s= mall to=20 build it yourself... pin spacing 0.050" =3D 1.27mm, but as you say mulit-co= ntact=20 modules would make things easier. If/when I make a custom jig I will likely= buy=20 another of these cables and base it on that... perhaps so the cable can be = easily=20 replaced if/when it wears out. PCB's arrived today and programmer cable fits, so that's a good start. https://www.dropbox.com/s/bef9dhbx0rls9p1/2018-01-31%2012.22.39.jpg?dl=3D0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/ueka8hi9491nnym/2018-01-31%2012.24.44.jpg?dl=3D0 Connecting tracks are on the other side of the PCB, so that's why there are= 6 x vias.=20 I toyed with the idea of putting the vias in the progammer pads, but ended = up not=20 doing so. It would violate the specs of the tag-connect footprint, but if t= hey were=20 significantly smaller than the programmer pins (0.5mm) then I think it woul= d be fine. Programming will most likely happen on assembled boards before they are fit= ted=20 inside their enclosures, but I made it so access can be gained once assembl= ed=20 through the battery compartment. Pushing the 2 x AA batteries to one side g= ives=20 justs enough room for programmer plug and keeps battery power, else batteri= es=20 can be removed and power provided from programmer. --=20 http://www.piclist.com/techref/piclist PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .