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Re: #Cubic_Circuit_Layout #cubic_circuit_layout

 

Ron N7FTZ

A stack of those cheapest of cheap prototype boards is a perfect fit for standard size mains
outlet boxes, the kind that sell at US DIY Hardware stores (Lowes, or Home Depot) for
US$0.49 each in singles and for $0.39 each if you buy then by the dozen.
image.png

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Four boards in a stack fit into the box and allow enough space for front-panel switches
and potentiometers, and even an LCD display.

That pretty well solves the chassis problem for small systems.? For larger systems
these outlet boxes can be sawed apart and glued up into larger boxes using solvent
glue intended for PVC lawn sprinkler pipe.? Clamp the glued boxes overnight and
the joints will be as strong as the original box.?

My own interest is in building test equipment.? Avoiding wasted time trying to figure
out some sort of protective chassis is always a priority.? This is what comes out of
that situation.??? 8-)
Arv? K7HKL
_._


On Mon, Sep 17, 2018 at 7:49 PM Dr. Flywheel <Dr.Flywheel@...> wrote:
This type of interconnect makes a lot of sense. I used it many times in the past with industrial products and the products were very stable both mechanically and electrically. Modular design has many advantages for products that offer multiple hardware options. Perhaps we can start by figuring out the board dimensions and match to potential standard metal or plastic cases.

--Ron? ?N7FTZ

On Mon, Sep 17, 2018 at 5:40 PM Arv Evans <arvid.evans@...> wrote:

Bi-sexual connector blocks, inexpensive from Ebay vendors.
image.png

Connectors on each end of cheap prototyping boards from Ebay vendors.
image.png
I took the suggestion of John VK6JY and used connectors on each end of the
proto-boards.? This means the boards can be stacked or plugged together in an
offset layout.?

A block of 5 prototype boards with connectors soldered in place and the boards plugged
together.
image.png

image.png

image.png

Alternative configuration to allow taller components on some boards.
image.png

Actually I am rather happy with the way this worked out.? Next question is "what to build
on my modular cube?".? I ohmed out all the pins and have connectivity where it should
be and no shorts where they should not be any.? Doing this again I might cut the pins a
bit shorter because the socket sides do not press all the way down to the board surface.

The slightly more expensive boards with plated-through holes should be even better.? I
have some of those on order from Ebay vendors.

image.png

The idea is to build circuits in modular form so that sections can be rebuilt or replaced
without disturbing the whole circuit.? Power and control signals will be via the connectors
and signals (RF, IF, AF, etc) will be connected by small coaxial plug lines along the edges
of each board.

Arv? K7HKL
_._
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