[sdiy] Covers / shroud for unused header pins?

[jslee]

On Sat, 7 Sep 2024, at 05:12, James R. Coplin wrote:
> Basically, the cabinet has two of these installed for LED control.
> 
> https://www.ultimarc.com/output/led-and-output-controllers/pacled64/

If it were my project I would be awfully tempted to either

* if open source hardware, modify the pacled64 design to use not-shit connectors, or

* make a “lid” board that bolts down to spacers on the mounting holes, with slots for cabling to pass through and attach to the pin headers. You could 3d-print some snugly-fitting plugs for the slots — then you’d have protection from shorting to the whole board rather than merely the connectors

* or make a “lid” board that bolts down to spacers on the mounting holes, with not-shit connectors on the top side and SMD (so no pads on top to accidentally short to) mating connectors underneath

Either way, a mechanically-secured cover for the pins.

When I read your post I immediately started thinking about automotive wiring. There has got to be a better way to manage this mess. Is there an internal panel that you could mount a bulkhead connector on? And then create separate looms for the “front panel” and “brains” sides. It seems there is a “keeping everything immobile” problem here and this is one approach to it. 

As someone else said, crimping isn’t hard. The not-shit crimping tools and connectors can be expensive, but think about how much nicer it might be for the next guy  ;-)

Deutsch DTM? Would they be too bulky for your wire count? Yes I know they’re expensive

When I received my System80 880 drum machine (Eurorack module) some years back I was astonished to find that the designer had created a “rear panel” PCB for it that had no circuitry but instead had (a) a slot for the Eurorack power connector, and (b) clearly identified holes for all of the trimpots. Really a significant step beyond every other module in my system.

John
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