Make Connections without Solder

[papa]

        Make Connections without Solder

Sometimes (as with re-programming an ESP82xx device) we may want/need to make temporary electrical connections without soldering & desoldering. Some things like earlier Itead ESP82xx devices provide a header of 4 programming holes, but other devices (like a more recent Itead S26 ECOPlug) may not provide such convenience. What can we do then?

To connect to desired locations, I have used dupont cables, hair clips, alligator clips, grabber clips, test clips. I use cellophane or electrical tape to insulate pads I don't want connected.

In this post, see my home made programming jig that used waste plastic, alligator clips, & "whiskers" from resistor leads.

            Examples ...

      <<  Paired, color-coded Alligator clips connected by a wire, one source here.

        Next, More Examples of Devices Used

[papa]

        Make Connections without Solder, More Examples of Devices Used

      << hair clips, one source here
The hair clips I want are flat where the two prongs come together & have no inner "teeth."  Sometimes I bend in the point of the shortest prong so it can clamp onto a small pad.

      << test clips with hook, one source here. These have a small hook that extends when the plunger is pushed.

      << grabber test hook clip, one source here.  These have a tiny "pincher" that extends when the plunger is pushed.

In another thread, I'll document how I used some of the above devices to re-program an Itead S26 ESP8266 ECOPlug

[papa]

        Dupont Cables for Connections

   As much as possible, I prefer to plug projects together. This makes it easier to replace defective parts, relocate misplaced parts, & reuse parts for other purposes.  My projects are still reliable.

           
        ^^ I often use dupont cables to make connections in my projects. They are color-coded insulated wires of at least two different lengths. Their ends can be male (M) to M, female (F) to F, or M to F. The M ends fit ok in Arduino sockets & F ends are similar to Arduino sockets.

This link displays a variety of dupont cables from a U.S. supplier I like. Many more possibilities are available online.

[papa]

        Attach Dupont Connectors

Sometimes we have project parts that cannot very well be attached to a socket or a pin. For example, a DS18B Temperature Sensor has a cable of 3 insulated wires that are not solid. What then?

        << Female Dupont connector, much enlarged

See this ebay search.  We can purchase & attach Dupont connectors, male & or female. We can also get housing to cover the connectors, but I often rob these covers from dupont cables.

With care & practice, one can use needle nose pliers to crimp a connector to a bared wire & adjacent insulated wire. This SN-28B Crimping Tool also takes practice, but gives better results in attaching Dupont connectors to a wire.

      << SN-28B Crimping Tool