Inserting boards into prototyping adaptors

A

AussieBruce

Member
Hi, I've soldered 0.1" pin headers into a new Teensy 4.0 so I can insert it into a 'push-in' prototyping board to create a hardware test platform. However hard I push, the device won't go in, I suspect the problem is simply the number of pins involved. Standard wired components such as resistors go in OK, the force required is consistent with my experience so I don't believe the adaptor is unusual. I'm wondering whether the Teensy boards supplied with pin headers already fitted use a thinner pin than standard to avoid this situation.

Is there a trick involved or is it just a matter of pushing with enough force?

The attached gives an idea of the pin size I'm using (fine divs in mm of course).
 

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Perhaps this is a standard proto breadboard? Have had them here where from new the internal contacts are individually tight and even pressing in a single dupont solid connector end is hard and takes some effort the first time.

Would suggest individually inserting such a hard wire end into each hole in both rows to make sure they are functioning properly.

Don't force the single pin - but apply gentle repeat pressure as needed. Perhaps the internal clamping contacts are not properly aligned or are overly tight. If a pin can individually be inserted to good effect in all needed holes, then the pinned Teeny should then work more easily.

It should never take excess pressure that could damage the pins or board, it is even worse on a longer T_4.1 board and they can work - but even tougher to remove.
 
defragster said:
Perhaps this is a standard proto breadboard? Have had them here where from new the internal contacts are individually tight and even pressing in a single dupont solid connector end is hard and takes some effort the first time.

Would suggest individually inserting such a hard wire end into each hole in both rows to make sure they are functioning properly.

Don't force the single pin - but apply gentle repeat pressure as needed. Perhaps the internal clamping contacts are not properly aligned or are overly tight. If a pin can individually be inserted to good effect in all needed holes, then the pinned Teeny should then work more easily.

It should never take excess pressure that could damage the pins or board, it is even worse on a longer T_4.1 board and they can work - but even tougher to remove.
Click to expand...
Thanks so much Defragster. Your suggestion worked a treat. I first tried using a standard 1/2watt resistor as a 'loosener', that didn't improve things at all. Then I tried a fine gauge galvanised steel wire (not sure which one, diameter is a bit larger than the resistor), once that was done the module slid in nicely, with plenty of resistance to indicate that contact was good but not requiring excessive force.

Hopefully this might assist others with the same problem.
 
When you want to, removing a Teensy from a prototyping board can be a challenge.
There is a temptation to lift it just from one end. DO NOT DO THIS. The Teensy will likely give way quickly and pins will probably be bent.
As a better solution for removal, use a small screwdriver placed, from the end, under the teensy (for about 1/2" to 1") with the blade of the screwdriver placed against the prototyping board. Lift the screwdriver a little. This should raise the Teensy a small amount. Repeat the other end. Then repeat end to end until the Teensy is completely out of the Prototyping Board.
You will be basically walking the Teensy out of the Prototyping Board end-for-end.
 
@AussieBruce You may want to consider purchasing BusBoard breadboards. I used to use breadboards that you can buy everywhere but have seen the same problems you described.
But when I threw away all those cheapo breadboards and purchased a bunch of BusBoards never had any problems since.

IMG_20240926_192941.jpg

Insertion of fresh Teensy's on brand new BusBoards requires very modest force. And for extraction, I just use my fingers - no tools needed.
More info here.

Paul
 
The K&H breadboards with 6 way rows (like the AD14 I use a lot) are my go-to well made breadboards, 6-way are so much more usable than 5-way especially when plugging in 0.6" wide devices like a Teensy...
 
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