>
> Using a right angle header gives a vertical orientation and it
> wouldn't have to be at the edge for single row stuff (thus not
> increasing the size of the PCB footprint). I gave it a try using a
> single row right angle header. Not bad at all. It seems pretty
> strong though repeated (ab)use might tell a different story. Pads
> would need to be in the range of 300 x 70 mils - at least that's the
> size of the pads on the board I tested and it looks about right. I'll
> post a picture if anyone wants. It would be cool to take the pad
> width down to 40-50 mil to allow more generous space for a trace in
> between. I'll have to make a test board for that. A quick look
> through the mouser catalog didn't reveal any shorter RA headers but
> that would allow reducing the length of the pads (150 mil would be
> nice...) as the overall footprint is a bit large.
You want enough size not to pull the pads off anyway. sounds like a good
idea.
>
> I don't have any right angle dual headers to try but that might work
> well at the edge since one could push the pins a little closer to get
> a tighter fit. Guess I could use 2 right angle rows back to back
> though alignment would be a bit tricky but no vias to drill if well
> laid out.
Interesting too. But if you need interection between top/bottom i prefer
using components over
making separate vias - kind of defeats the purpose.
You can simply rotate the second row around (and slide, clip) to solder it
flat on the top layer, or
use two single row butt-to-butt.
ST