Hi,
I’m building a small robot using an Arduino and a few sensor boards.
Right now I’m just using normal pin headers to connect everything, but after plugging and unplugging the boards many times the connections don’t always feel very solid.
I saw that some people use something called machined pin headers or machined sockets.
Are they actually better for prototyping projects?
Do they last longer than the normal cheap headers?
Thanks
Are they actually better for prototyping projects?
Slightly, depends on how often you need to move things around
Do they last longer than the normal cheap headers?
Yes, though YMMV…they’re not as rough so there is less galling going on with the metals. Folks seem to love them
If the connections are still not actually causing any issues/disconnections I’d say it’s more of a luxury than necessity. If it goes beyond just ‘feeling’ un-sturdy and into ‘bad signal’ territory it’d move up the priority list
Your prototyping and testbed bench is exactly the right place to make the minor investment in a sturdier socket for the fit & feel. They’re also the ones likely to get de/re/soldered, tugged & yanked, and photographed.