Actions
Forum Thread Details
  • Replies 36 replies
  • Subscribers 132 subscribers
  • Views 5739 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Related

Looking for 5 People to Experiment with Thermocouple/RTD Connectors

rscasny

What's the best way to connect a Thermocouple or an RTD probe to a printed circuit board (PCB). I was asked that question during a call I had with a supplier who manufactures thermocouple and RTD probes, among other things.image

 

It's not a question I am asked frequently. Hmm, good question: soldering, connectors, terminal blocks, etc.

 

At then end of that informative call, they decided to give me some of their new surface mounted Thermocouple/RTD probe connectors to give out to some interested members to experiment with.

 

Who I am Looking for

Anyone can apply by offering a comment below and tell me something about what you had in mind. I think if you were working on a temperature control/monitoring system and were using and connecting thermocouples/RTDs you would be great for this little project. But anyone who has a mind to experiment with these connectors is invited to offer their idea. I will send you some of the connectors to you.

 

I will send you some of these connectors. I'd like you to examine them, experiment with these connectors, and then write a blog on element14.

 

Randall Scasny

--element14 Team

 

 

Message was edited by: Randall Scasny

Attachments:
imagePCC-SMD.pdf
  • in reply to rscasny

    When do you plan to make the announcement of successful candidate? I would like to schedule some time for this initiative and avoid pigeon holing it in.

  • in reply to colporteur

    Sean,

     

    Thanks for the reminder.

     

    I had to check with our shipping department to verify that we got the connectors delivered to the office. We got them.

     

    So, I will we shipping them on Monday. It's my understanding that they send me a package of 60 connectors, so I may have enough to send out to all interested people.

     

    Randall

  • in reply to rscasny

    Thanks for the response. I appreciate you have a lot on your plate. Us retired guys have to learn some patienceimage

  • I'm a fan of connectors. They make it quick and easy to swap out TCs. Especially in high temp applications such as heat treatment. They look like they could be used to make a QC/QD for just about anything.

  • image

    I will be unable to finish my project, customs ate my components?

     

    I received the package today and it only contained the binding posts. The terminals that connect to the binding posts were not in the package. I thought the package was rather loosely taped when I discovered it at my door from the shipper. When I opened it, the few items inside were not in packing but, the packing material was in the box. How the thin binding posts remained in the box and the terminals disappeared is anyone guess. I don't have all the components.

     

    How would you like me to proceed?

  • in reply to colporteur

    Were terminals listed on the packing slip?

  • in reply to dougw

    The packing slips lists 9 ea Omega PCC-SMD-20 connector. From the documentation pic, I am assuming a connector contains both the clips (doc reference) and what I am calling the binding post (no reference in the document)

     

    image

     

    Appreciating the binding posts do come in two and three wire configurations, I am again assuming three wire configuration because 9 clips were included.

     

    You may be correct DW, maybe the kit is only the clips. The exercise is just to the solder clips to a PCB. Rather odd if that is the case. The clips have a wide and narrow flange (black circle) that looks to mate with the binding posts to ensure polarity. Also the accuracy of the clips solder position would determine if the binding post fitted to the board.

     

    Mounting the clips themselves does create a challenge. Note in the pic (red circle) there is an oval alignment hole for the clip. It appears to be larger than two through holes, maybe even three. It also has a left and right position.

     

    My offer was to evaluate the connector using over the counter purchased perf boards. What would it take to use the connector on the electronic hobbyists go to PCBs?

  • in reply to colporteur

    Hi Sean,

     

    Ordinarily the plug end would come pre-attached to a thermocouple (such as this one in the photo), although it is possible to obtain connectors on their own for self-assembling thermocouples.

    I just visually tried to place the thermocouple plug against a stripboard, and it looks like two strips of copper will fit between the two connections, i.e. the centers of each are spaced approx 0.3" apart.

    I don't feel they are suitable for stripboard (alternative through-hole sockets are available), but worst-case maybe they can be soldered upside-down? i.e. so that no oval hole is needed.

    image

  • in reply to shabaz

    Maybe DW is correct and there was only clips in the shipment. I would like to confirm that though.

     

    I have been examining the clips to understand the requirements to install them. Mine is a research effort to determine if the connectors are suitable for perf boards. I saw the post from RS looking for volunteers and had a project that uses some thermal devices. I figured I could provide some feedback while working on the project.

     

    I'm not sure if I am missing parts in the shipment or not. I am going to take the clips to the workshop and do some preliminary investigation. I think I really need the binding posts to determine if after the soldering work everything fits as hoped.

     

    There are a number of challenges I think to using the connector in the pref board world. I'm hoping I can jury rig something to provide some insight if someone is thinking they would like to try using them. I always did like the old MacGyver TV show rather than the new one.

  • in reply to colporteur

    Sean,

     

    I think all we were sent were the connectors, not the binding posts. Let me ask my shipper.

     

    Randall