[sdiy] pin headers on the wrong side of a PCB

[David G Dixon]

Hey Team,

I love using MTA-100 connectors to wire panel components to PCBs, as they
make life so much easier than directly wiring to the PCB.  However, I'd like
to be able to use them on the wrong side of the PCB.  In other words, I'd
like to be able to put an MTA pin header on the solder-side of a
single-sided PCB.

Does anyone know of a product that would work for that?  I know that it's
pretty straightforward to solder long breakaway pins so that there is a lot
of pin sticking out on the solder side of the PCB, and a female header can
be slid over these pins (this sort of arrangement can be found in old ARP
synths such as the Odyssey, for example).  However, I also want to have the
locking flap that prevents the female from sliding off of the pins.  Do they
sell the MTA pin header plastic housings without pins in them that can be
slid over long breakaway pins?

Basically, I want to solder panel components (pots, switches, etc) onto a
single-sided PCB, with the solder side facing away from the panel, but have
pin headers on the back of the PCB for easy access from the back.  Is this
doable?  I know that ribbon cable connectors could work this way, but I'm
more interested in MTA connectors.

Thanks and cheers,
Dave Dixon