Homebrew PCBs

Dave Mucha wrote:
> I am looking for some method to plug a pre-made device into a hole to 
> work like a plated thru hole.
> 
> This really only applies to things like DIP chips where one cannot 
> solder under hte part.
> 

   Others are hitting the disadvantages, and just as much as that there isn't 
much gain from these things.

   If you need an exact board like you want a production board later, then you 
really need a thru plated prototype board anyway.  The only thing these do for 
you is let you put a PIN in the hole too.  If you're not doing that, then you 
may as well have just used a piece of wire in the first place.

   For homemade boards you should be grouping your vias as much as possible 
anyway.  Under or outside the chip outline, you should be putting them into 
lines or blocks anyway.  Skipping spaces of course but still with an overall 
line to follow so they're easy to see.  Put spacers on the bottom of the board 
when doing the vias, and use regular wire.  Do it on a hard surface with the 
spacers, and insert wire, solder, cut, then insert, solder, cut, etc.  You know 
you've soldered the top side, flip over bend the extra the spacing made so they 
don't fall through, and solder the bottom.  If these are in groups or lines you 
can do them in a hurry, and no need for some special pins or tubes.

   There is also someone that makes small nails that aren't hollow, but still 
the same "no real advantage".  I haven't seen one system that looked like it was 
really any better than just wires.  The tubes are neat for homemade, but when 
you think about the extra time and how rare (like never) you should ever need to 
put a pin through one if you design for it, they don't make sense for the prices.

Alan