Simple electrics

[sharkfin61]

When I ordered my CDU parts from pcflights.com, I also took the tactile buttons they recommend.

Now, after days to find a breadboard, big enough to put the parts on it, my question is:

 

What is the better way to plug the buttons into the board? Bend the terminals to the outside (left example) or straighten them to used the more inner holes of the board?

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you in advance, (as always..)

Edited August 26, 2020 by sharkfin61

[PickleMonster]

Definately through hole, that's what the legs were designed for.

[sharkfin61]

So, you would opt for the right (straight leg) option because the legs stick out of the board a little more?

[Gruman]

Could you show a pic to visualize your question?

Did you buy SMT tactile buttons? Or THT buttons?

Why is it hard to find a breadboard? Reichelt or Conrad has plenty in 100x160mm.

 

Went to the pc-flight page and looked for the CDU Panel. Are those the tactile switches you bought? Those wont fit into any standardized breadboards without bending the legs.

I would recommend spend a day learing ECAD (KiCad or somiliar) and order a cheap PCB from JLCPCB (or similiar). You will have a board in a week without the hassle of trying to connect so many wires...

[crash test pilot]

My CDU-cover also comes from pcflights.com. I just cut holes in a plywood board where the switches fit in, glued them and made a flying solder-job with diodes and wire. Its not the most beautyful work of mine, but works and was cheap (exept for the cover!).

[sharkfin61]

Thank you for your replies. I did use the tactile switches from pc flights.

In the end, I spend a lot of time and swearing to bend all the little legs to fit the in a standard 2.45mm spacing breadboard. Took a lot of effort but I finally made it. Led's came to glow last night. But I think I will never show anyone the flip side of the breadboard with my soldering "art".

 

I would recommend anyone with the same electrical knowledge that I have to go for separated switches and led's. Might save some time, sweat and tears.

Edited September 4, 2020 by sharkfin61

[sharkfin61]

OK, after soldering all wires to my switches and LEDs a question popped up in my mind, maybe someone can give me some advice.

Is it better to wire all ground pins to plug them into the Leo Bodnar BBI-64 board or would it be better to just dasychain the ground cables (to minimize the amount of wires and reduce stiffiness, by the cost of having to de-solder the connection in case of failure)?

May somone has experience with that matter and can provide a hint?

[bohemond]

OK, after soldering all wires to my switches and LEDs a question popped up in my mind, maybe someone can give me some advice.

Is it better to wire all ground pins to plug them into the Leo Bodnar BBI-64 board or would it be better to just dasychain the ground cables (to minimize the amount of wires and reduce stiffiness, by the cost of having to de-solder the connection in case of failure)?

May somone has experience with that matter and can provide a hint?

 

I daisy chain the grounds and use one common wire, generally. The added complexity of troubleshooting is outweighed by the benefits, In my opinion.

[sharkfin61]

Thank you, bohemond, for your reply. The whole wiring with 4 long cables per switch really makes it a mess.

I think I will try that as soon as my spare switches arrive (the ones, I should have ordered with my CDU-Replica parts :doh: )

[bohemond]

Thank you, bohemond, for your reply. The whole wiring with 4 long cables per switch really makes it a mess.

I think I will try that as soon as my spare switches arrive (the ones, I should have ordered with my CDU-Replica parts :doh: )

 

To clarify, I’ll common ground the switches and buttons. Analogs I generally have discrete grounds

[sharkfin61]

Thanks for the heads-up.