PCB as Front Panel - Connector issue

[mrx79]

Hallo,

i've seen Dave's µCurrent project on youtube and i like the idea of using the PCB as a frontpanel for some of my projects as well.
I just have one issue i have currently no solution for.

My projects usualy need a few more terminals and connectors, so i'am searching for a way to put a connector onto the PCB as well in a way that it looks good and professional but still need's no or not much case modifications.

Any ideas?

[Yago]

Could you show us what terminal/connectors you mean?
Might help.

[mrx79]

I have no special connector in mind. But by design it should be on the side of the casing.
Just around 7-10 pin's are necessary.

Thought about a something like this:
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQWVLvcejfZKL3jovumGPBVT513h8qK0_a7EwAd3pvB6UCMOGeb

But this would destroy the look of the frontpanel PCB because of the solderpad's on top.
I can also put the connector on the top, but then it would stick out above the PCB, which would also doesn't look perfect.

I'am just looking for some brainstorming to maybe get some new ideas which could work and look nice.

Thanks

[mrflibble]

You could use SMD pin headers like this: http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/95278-101A06LF/609-3487-1-ND/2044025

That link is only for reference, definitely not a price based recommendation. Similar connectors can probably be had on ebay for a fraction of that list price.

[mrflibble]

Quick check turns up for example this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161278367918

ebay search terms: 10 pcs smd pin headers 2.54mm

Adjust search depending on what you want.

[mrx79]

I also thought about similar ones... only drawback is the fact that they would not have mechanical polarity protection and they are not extremely firm. Something with a tight fit and mechanical coding would be great.

[mrflibble]

Think solutions, not problems.

The polarity requirement that you just introduced can be taken care of with for example:
1 - using shrouded pin header with polarity.
2 - cut off one pin, and use a female connector that has the corresponding plug filled with your favorite filler material.

Option 1) is slightly more expensive, option 2) requires some extra work for every connector you do. For typical one off's I think I would just go with numero duo. Unless I can find equally cheap shrouded connectors on ebay, which is unlikely. The advantage of the unshrouded ones is that you can get longer strips rather cheap on ebay, and then cut them to size for this or that particular project.

The tight fit requirement ... dunno. Those connectors are not all that flimsy IMO. It might help if you give a list of the actual signals you want to connect to your front panel. Without that it becomes a bit of a guessing game.

[ludzinc]

You can use a bulkhead connector, with a wiring harness back to the PCB.

A little more work, but a great finish.

[lincoln]

we have used this series of connector  http://www.te.com/catalog/minf/en/439 , they have a high insertion force, sold through digikey, hand have all kinds of mix and match mechanical layouts.

[mrx79]

Found this one, which looks nice... but could not find it on any of the big component supplies like digikey, mouser, etc.

[wraper]

Found this one, which looks nice... but could not find it on any of the big component supplies like digikey, mouser, etc.

"could not find"
Sure they are there.