Need help for choosing a connector!

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) General Frequently-Asked Questions
1

Hi!

I'm finishing my MIDI controller (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyrillearndt/sets/72157621768853033/, when finished with enclosure and so on I will post in Exhibition.) and need help for a connector.

The idea is to be able to upgrade the firmware without openning it.

Two solutions:
? RX/TX/Reset to upload using an Arduino without chip: 3 pins

  • Only 3 wires
  • I must use an FTDI or Arduino board
    ? ICSP: 6 pins
  • I use a programmer, which allows me to reburn the bootloader if a problem happens. (Just had to do it because a RAM issue.)
  • I have to use the programmer! (and set up the IDE to use it)
    I would prefer the standard ICSP, even if it's definitelty more work!

I'm looking for connectors.

For RX/TX/Reset I was thinking about a 2.5mm stereo jack, but I don't really like it because it's very small, easy to bend etc. But 2.5mm is necessary in an environment where jacks of other sizes are used for audio!

For ICSP, I could use pin headers, but it's not ideal because it's not easy to fasten on my rear plate and bare male pins would not be very gorgeous! Female ones would need pins plugged in or an adapter to adapt to male. And that means, if you need an adapter, why not another more practical type of connector then!

So, I was thinking about another type of 6-pin connector.
Ideal would be something I can fasten easily to the rear plate, so not PCB-only connector.
But what?

[edit]Btw I don't have USB onboard (standalone Arduino).[/edit]

2

D-SUB 9pin female, cheap and hard to destroy ^.^

3

Hm, it could indeed combine my two solutions! But perhaps not the funniest thing to solder! (since I have also another connector for the adapter to solder too!)

4

I tested out again my first solution, and it appears that I also need +5V, otherwise it's not always perfect. So a stereo jack is really not the solution.

Perhaps somebody else has an idea?
(or I will perhaps choose the D-SUB, indeed!)

[edit]A mini-DIN 9 pin exists, but I'm not sure to find it in a shop nearby...[/edit]

5

Have you thought of using the "standard" 6-pin male header for Tx/Rx/5V/DTS? This way you could plug in the FTDI cable or the "FTDI basic breakout" (http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9115).

6

Yes, but I want a connector outside of the device, and bare pins or headers are not so nice-looking... or do you have an idea on how to do it nicely?

7

Headers are compatible with IDC connectors (Insulation Displacement Connectors) that use ribbon cable. You can get panel or PCB mounting headers for this that can be used to connect to form connections outside a box.

8

That could have a nice feeling and look.
I don't find panel connector that don't take 5mm outside the box, can you show me what you where thinking about?

9

I don't find panel connector that don't take 5mm outside the box,

Not sure what you mean, do you want the connector to be flush with the side of the box?
I think it is a lugged header:-
http://uk.farnell.com/multicomp/4406-20sr/header-idc-lugged-20way/dp/1565514
The lugging allows it to be mounted on the panel and not stick out if you mount the lugs on small pilers.

10

Hm ok...
but then, from this idea, I could use a small veroboard with the socket on it mounted inside with screws! (or even male pins if I can't find some...)

11

Hm the 6 pins connector seems not easy to find...
I saw some 10 pins one here.
Do you have some idea for a supplier who carries it at a reasonable price?

12

The headers are on the board. Bring the board close to the case, then have a small opening for the female header, so it can be plugged in.

13

That's what I meant by

(or even male pins if I can't find some...)

but I wanted a cleaner-looking solution, the black plastic around the IDC connector seemed ideal :-/

[edit]I found it! But 18? shipping...

[/edit]