Got a board like this and I was wondering if there was any semipermanent alternatives to soldering that would easily let me switch out and rearrange components. Like maybe some tiny nut on the other side that would hold wire into the hole. Closest I can figure is electric tape but is there a better way?

 

If you don't want to solder, don't buy solder boards. Buy the plug-in boards.

 

Per #12, Search/Google BreadBoard.
Max.

 

Any alternative to solder costs more, requires more tooling (like a bake out oven), and is just as permanent as solder.

When I was young there were some common terminals, some just spring steel stampings (Fahnestock Clips), some with springs for compression, either could be used to set up temporary wiring. You may still see such used in those 150-in-one electronics kits, but I have no sources for the kind I used to insert into blank perf board.

 

Got a board like this and I was wondering if there was any semipermanent alternatives to soldering that would easily let me switch out and rearrange components. Like maybe some tiny nut on the other side that would hold wire into the hole. Closest I can figure is electric tape but is there a better way?

Temporarily, you could use this:


https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11521


I just received it in the mail, but haven't tried playing with it to make any circuits.

 

Temporarily, you could use this:


https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11521


I just received it in the mail, but haven't tried playing with it to make any circuits.

That is just a conductive pen. You will still need to solder. All the pen does is give you a quick way to make a printed circuit board. And to create one on pretty much any surface.

 

They used to "wire wrap" instead of soldering back when... I can't see why you cant do this!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wire_wrap

 

That is just a conductive pen. You will still need to solder. All the pen does is give you a quick way to make a printed circuit board. And to create one on pretty much any surface.

"Bare Paint works well as a cold solder joint. Whether used to solder a surface
mount or through-hole component onto a circuit board, or to adhere a
component to a piece of paper, this material is strong and almost infinitely
repairable."


According to that, it would be fine for temporary joints. Without soldering.

 

Yes, there are alternatives to soldering if you want to be able to reconfigure your circuit.
The first choice would be to use solderless breadboards as #12 has shown.
Another method is to use wire wrap sockets and wire wrap wire. You can also buy single socket pins as an alternative to IC DIP sockets.

 

They used to "wire wrap" instead of soldering back when... I can't see why you cant do this!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wire_wrap

Wire wrapping was fun, I thought.

Wouldn't want to have done that every day in a work environment.

 

Can't find my samples right now.

Before proto boards there were uprights with little springs. Springs about the size of retractable ball point springs but half the length.

I'll try a search.

 

"Bare Paint works well as a cold solder joint. Whether used to solder a surface
mount or through-hole component onto a circuit board, or to adhere a
component to a piece of paper, this material is strong and almost infinitely
repairable."


According to that, it would be fine for temporary joints. Without soldering.

I just find it hard to believe that will work well. It will repair traces, pads etc. If you want to attach components to it that don't already exist in the circuit then you will need to solder to have a reliable connection.

A solderless board that #12 posted would be the better solution.

 

You mean these spring clips?

 

I just find it hard to believe that will work well. It will repair traces, pads etc. If you want to attach components to it that don't already exist in the circuit then you will need to solder.

Sure, it wouldn't take any abuse or much movement, to break contact.

Cutting it off the blister card, someone just poked a small hole in the bottom of the pen.......
So, be careful cutting open the package. That material is some of the blackest stuff I've ever seen, and not easy to clean off. Reminds me of schooldays, and India Ink.

Haha, now I have to repair that hole before I can play with it.

 

I strongly recommend the solderless breadboard, as #12 also suggested. They are indispensable when it comes to building temporary circuits. They often cost < $10 USD and will last you a long time, provided you use them properly. I can't recommend this enough.

Regards,
Matt

 

Breadboards by far, are the best solution.

 

You mean these spring clips?

No, but that's what got me thinking of them.

They are a flat pressed steel pin. Rolled on one end to fit in a perf board hole.

The rest of the body is slotted for wires. A coil spring over it. Held in place by a cross piece in the slot.

Wires inserted much like the ones you show but more stable, as they fit thru the slot.

 

You mean these........

 

No, but that's what got me thinking of them.

They are a flat pressed steel pin. Rolled on one end to fit in a perf board hole.

The rest of the body is slotted for wires. A coil spring over it. Held in place by a cross piece in the slot.

Wires inserted much like the ones you show but more stable, as they fit thru the slot.

Do you mean these?

 

Do you mean these?

That's it.

Although now that I see it. It's not applicable.

Imperfect memory.
Thank you.
Just saved me a week of rummaging.

Now I see why I probably threw them out.

What are they really used for?