Homebrew PCBs

>
> 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