Need Advice: Connecting LEDs to PCB

[Duane Wood]

I would like to make a light display with many LEDs connected by wires of
various lengths. I would like to use some sort of header and connectors to
connect the LEDs to the PCB. The LEDs will be controlled by a PIC through
shift registers. Each LED can be turned on and off indendently.

I've never used headers or connectors. I was thinking I could use something
like a 2-row x 20 header and then use a 2-position molex housing for each
LED. How are these connectors fastened to the wires? Do I need a special
tool?

Is there a better way to do this?

Duane

 

[Spehro Pefhany]

On Thu, 21 Oct 2004 22:26:14 -0400, the renowned "Duane Wood"
<duanewood@yahoo.com> wrote:

I would like to make a light display with many LEDs connected by wires of
various lengths. I would like to use some sort of header and connectors to
connect the LEDs to the PCB. The LEDs will be controlled by a PIC through
shift registers. Each LED can be turned on and off indendently.

I've never used headers or connectors. I was thinking I could use something
like a 2-row x 20 header and then use a 2-position molex housing for each
LED. How are these connectors fastened to the wires? Do I need a special
tool?

The terminals are crimped onto the wires and then the terminals are
snapped into the housing - generally. There are also IDC connectors,
which would probably not be suitable.

A special tool is helpful, although not absolutely necessary. Be sure
to crimp the insulation strain relief around the wire insulation
whether you crimp or solder the electrical connection.

Is there a better way to do this?
Duane

It sounds like a reasonable approach to me.


Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany
--
"it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward"
speff@interlog.com Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog Info for designers: http://www.speff.com

 

[Rich Grise]

On Thu, 21 Oct 2004 22:26:14 -0400, Duane Wood wrote:

I would like to make a light display with many LEDs connected by wires of
various lengths. I would like to use some sort of header and connectors to
connect the LEDs to the PCB. The LEDs will be controlled by a PIC through
shift registers. Each LED can be turned on and off indendently.

I've never used headers or connectors. I was thinking I could use something
like a 2-row x 20 header and then use a 2-position molex housing for each
LED. How are these connectors fastened to the wires? Do I need a special
tool?

Is there a better way to do this?

IIRC, LED legs are approx. .025" square, so should plug right into any ol'
IDC header. You have to be careful to observe polarity. of course.

Have Fun!
Rich