Connector Family Suggestion (for those w/out drill attachment)

[asauter]

Do you have a verticle or RA connector family that attaches robustly (and can be cycled in and out)?

Perhaps I should add glue under component during placement.

Thanks!

[eric.bumbalough]

That’s a tough question because surface mount devices are not designed to withstand much mechanical stress, which is why you can’t find many connectors, switches, or pots that surface mount. This is exacerbated by the relatively weak adhesion between the board and Voltera ink. Even if the solder joints could withstand the stress, the ink might rip off the board.

Glue or structural epoxy is definitely a good idea to improve strength.

What kind of cycle life do you need? How many pins?

Several ideas popped into my head:

• Micro or mini USB or HDMI connectors are mass produced as surface mounts
• Card edge connectors (probably very low cycle life).
• Print a ink pad near the edge of the board and attach to it with an alligator clip (not practical for more than a few connections)
• Pogo pins and a jig

I haven’t tried any of these since we have a drill. I’d still appreciate hearing how they work since I like to avoid drilling when possible.