MonsieurAdaptateur: Adapts commonly used connectors

[Felicitus]

Hi,

I have finally finished my MonsieurAdaptateur Project, which lets you adapt between different plug formats. I was sick of having alligator clips all over my project, and they became loose all the time. So I designed a box which can adapt between the following formats:

- DC Jack 2.1mm (like on your Arduino)
- 2mm Jacks (for Multimeter probes)
- 4mm Jacks (for your regular banana jacks)
- BNC Connector
- 3.5mm Terminal Block (for up to 1.5mm² wires)
- Scope probe connector
- Standard 6 pin 0.1" female header
- Standard 6 pin 0.1" male header
- 4.75 and 6.3mm blade connectors (FastOn)
- Maximum Voltage: 12V DC (see the FAQ on the product page for additional information)
- Maximum Current: Depending on connector, see board silkscreen

Pricing starts at 13.95 USD for the kit and 16.95USD for the assembled variant.

Links:
Tindie Shop
GitHub repository including schematics and board
Product Homepage including Assembly Instructions
GitHub Issue Tracker  (yes, there are already plans for a second revision )

I know that you'll scream "where's my 4mm security jack?", but the reason for it being absent is here. Requests for other connectors for a second revision can be entered at the GitHub repository issue tracker.

[Zbig]

Nice idea. I'd probably get one if it wasn't for the shipping cost which adds additional 60% of the gizmo's price in my case. What version 2 needs, in my opinion, is a cable with a socket which accepts male SD barrel jacks of various sizes (like they bundle with universal wall AC-DC adapters, etc.). The mostly empty bottom of the case basically asks to tuck such a cable there.
BTW, as for using multimeters with breadboards, I made some 4 mm banana jack to single pin cables and they come in handy very often. Many people seem to forget that you're not forced to only use whatever probe cables you got with the meter and that most 4mm banana plugs fit in most meters just fine.

[Felicitus]

Nice idea. I'd probably get one if it wasn't for the shipping cost which adds additional 60% of the gizmo's price in my case.

Yeah, that's a good point - the shipping costs include tracking. Price would be without tracking would be 4.75 USD (and the risk of lost goods), I am just thinking about adding such an option.

[Felicitus]

I've just added a non-insured option for international shipping as well as shipping within Germany, rates are now:

2.70 USD within Germany
4.75 USD world-wide

[Felicitus]

I like it. The box looks very hackable too, easy to add say an RCA socket.

Yes, I think so too, but I haven't tried it so far. You only need to take caution where to drill, as the 2mm and 4mm plugs go inside the case quite deep. Shouldn't be a problem on the other side though. Best seen on the red translucent case:

https://d3s5r33r268y59.cloudfront.net/7468/products/thumbs/2014-03-01T15:14:20.982Z-IMG_2585.JPG.2560x2560_q85.jpg

I also have now grey boxes in stock (sorry, no pic yet).

[con-f-use]

So MA-0004 and 5 arrived in Munich a record braking single day after you sent it. Very nice.

Good quality board, nice fit to the case, looking good.

Promptly I drilled a hole in the cases and used the second nut on the banana terminals to screw ring crimps in place. This way I can connect my power supply to the Monsieur. I will never ever have to look for the right cable again! Thanks.

If I'd be using the Monsieur for something else, I might miss a 3.5mm audio jack (yes I know it's stereo and the MA is mono but nonetheless) or a RCA jack. I recommend spring terminals with a bigger diameter instead of the little green screw terminal. That's for the lazy like me, is more versatile and holds smaller diameter better (haha! I read the FAQ!  ).

[Zbig]

Bumping the thread just so the handy little tool gets a chance for some more exposure it deserves I hope that's not against the forum rules; if so, feel free to delete.

[RoboTechEd]

This does seem incredibly useful! Would slow down the constant need for cord cutting and help make troubleshooting easier. I'll definitely have to get myself one

[free_electron]

if you gonna do bnc : sma smb smc mcx apc-7 , n-connectors.    especially apc7 ...

[RoboTechEd]

I am just posting to let you know that mine came in and it is great! Surprisingly small, but incredibly useful. Came with different gauge wires for more sturdiness with scope probes, which was a nice touch. The kit was easy to assemble and only took 20 minutes to get up and running. I feel like it'll be an essential piece of equipment on my bench  

[ivan747]

The 90's called, they want their cases back  Looks radical bro!

It's a good concept,  you could in theory add as many connector as people ask.

[codeboy2k]

Nice work! seems useful too.. I'm with Free Electron, how about some RF connectors (but I think RF would be best done with controlled impedances , and in a metal box as a new project, MadameAdaptress )

I know that you'll scream "where's my 4mm security jack?",

Forget the 4mm safety jacks.. why would you even need it? There are "hot" spade lugs and male 0.1 header pins, and "hot" loops for scope probes.. ("hot" meaning exposed or open to someone touching it)

With this design, there is no added safety with 4 mm safety jacks.  Also... because 12V ?

[Ghydda]

Forget the 4mm safety jack.... why would you even need it? There are "hot" spade lugs and male 0.1 header pins, and "hot" loops for scope probes.. ("hot" meaning exposed or open to someone touching it)

With this design, there is no added safety with 4 mm safety jacks.  Also... because 12V ?

Well consider that some buyers/users properly doesn't have non-shrouded/safety banan plugs.
And I, for one, am glad that this feature is included

[redshift]

Reminds me of this:

[Zbig]

Haha, I deal with Websphere MQ in work but haven't seen that one. Will be a hit in the office tomorrow!