I’m trying to connect an [EM408 to a microcontroller and the only connectors I know of are these:
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc … ts_id=8288
I don’t really have a surface mount base I’m putting this on, I really just need a housing that I can use to extend and mate the cable to some larger pins. I tried unsuccessfully to solder some wire-wrap (very small diameter) wire to these tiny pins using a very sharp tip soldering iron, but while I’ve done a lot of soldering, this is just too small for my skills since it’s intended for surface mount.
So, I’m wondering if anyone knows of a housing like this but something that can be more easily worked with. I have the breakout board for this device, but it’s too large for what I’m trying to do - I don’t need all the functionality the breakout gives, either.
Thanks for any pointers to connectors for this that are easier to work with.](GPS Receiver - EM-408 SiRF III (20 Channel) - GPS-08234 - SparkFun Electronics)
There does not appear to be any non-SMT version of that socket. The best you could do at that end is make your own little surface-mount breakout board.
It appears that the cable is detachable at the GPS module end, too - and matching crimp-type plugs are available (JST SH series, Digi-Key part # 455-1380, according to the module data sheet). However, you’d spend over $7 just for the pins (minimum order 100), and the proper crimp tool costs over $700!
I think the easiest thing to do for a one-off project would be to cut off one end of the supplied cable and strip the wire ends.
Thanks, I was coming to exactly the same conclusion. I can’t buy these cables separately for the Sirf III with the external mmcx (408) though I can for the one without the xternal antenna (406). In any case, since the 408 comes with the interface cable, if I cut it I will end up with 2 pigtails that work per GPS purchased (both ends are the same.)
What’s more is that the SMD housing connector costs as much as the [406’s interface cable. If I could get a 408 cable separately, that’d be great, but SFE isn’t offering it for some reason.
I’ve already destroyed 2 smd housing connectors trying to solder them - it’s really hopeless. I’ll cut the cable that came with it and move on.
Thanks again,
Landon](http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=574)