MSefi.com read only forum (Jan.15,2018)

Just got some of my stuff and am going to start construction tonight.

Should I use sockets on all the PC Chips? I know U1, how about the other UX components?

If you socket all the IC chips,it makes it easy to trouble shoot any suspect chip ,if you have a problem. And if you build a second one you can now test the chips before you solder them in.

personally , I never use sockets , unless it's a reprogrammable part .
Like an mcu or an pld .
If you do use sockets , make sure you get the high-q ones with tulip
contacts .

Pat

I socket all the IC's, If you do socket your chips, and use it on a high vib vehicle, you can always put a small dap of silicone under the chip and that will prevent it from coming loose. The sockets I use take a good bit of force to remove, so I don't think they wil just "rattle" loose under normal use, even without silicone..

Again not all sockets are created equal, use only machined sockets, I use the gold plated ones made by Mill-Max. Do not use the flat contact sockets, they are prone to oxidation, and do not give you a reliable connection if you remove the chip more than once. This really is a case of "you get what you pay for"

Some other things you can do is, in the jumper locations, you can install Header pins. You can buy them from any good Electronics store in strips, just break off what you need. Then use standard jumpers for those connections, that way you don't need to solder more than once, and especially with the boot header, you willl be using that one alot, and of you decide to use an externally mounted switch, you can use a standard pc style header connector, and silicone it in place, just a dab on the side, if you ever have to remove the board, just pull the silicone loose to remove the connector.

S.

You could also look at ZIF sockets (Zero Insertion Force) which you put the chip in then move the little lever and the chip is locked in place. Removal is the opposite.

Don't use ZIF sockets. They are meant for use in chip programmers and test equipment. They cannot take vibration. Plus they are very expensive.

-Phil

Actually, almost all Computer Motherboard CPU sockets are ZIF. the reason they use Zif sockets though is so that you don't break the chip removing it from the socket, some CPU's now have 940 pins holding it in!!!

In a system where the programming is on a Rom or Eprom chip, it makes sense to use a zif socket, but most of todays embedded micro's have some form of Flash, or EEprom built-in, negating the use of external Eproms, and Zif sockets.

Most Zif's are a lot larger footprint, and in some cases, you will have to install a socket anyway to raise it above other componants on the board.

Generally Zif sockets are more expensive. I have seen some cheaper Zif's that use a straight slot screwdriver to open and close the socket instead of the lever. Zif sockets really are desiged for applications where you will be installing and removing the chip alot, like in a PLD programmer.

Good Idea, But I personally would not use a Zif socket in my Megasquirt.

S.

Yeah, I'd stick with machine pin sockets. They're designed to provide high reliability even in the presence of vibration and temperature swings. And when working correctly they provide a gas-tight connection, so like Scott said, they resist corrosion better too.

One advantage of using sockets that hasn't been mentioned yet is that it allows you to assemble the circuit board without fear of ESD zapping your precious ICs.

Vikash, Thanks for the additional info.

I Like your web page by the way, lots of info. No mention of Megasquirt in there though. One would assume you have a Subaru that needs a 'Squirt?.

S.

Thank you, Scott.

My brother and I used MegaSquirt on his 1985 Toyota Supra when we turbocharged it a couple years ago. That was when I first actually used the system, though I'd been reading up on it for a while before that.

I'm also planning on using MegaSquirt on my 93 Subaru Legacy sometime soon, to get some control over fuel. When I do I'll document the process on my web page for sure.

What was your web page url again.

Mine? You can click the "www" button below my messages. But in any case, it's http://www.graphics.cornell.edu/~v/.

I personally use sockets whenever possible. One technique I've used for years is to tie the IC in place with Lacing Cord (Dental Floss works well also). When you have to replace or test, snip and the cord is off. It works best to use the cord that is wax coated since it will retain a knot better than the unwaxed stuff.

My $.02

MegaScott wrote:I socket all the IC's,
Again not all sockets are created equal, use only machined sockets, I use the gold plated ones made by Mill-Max. Do not use the flat contact sockets, they are prone to oxidation, and do not give you a reliable connection if you remove the chip more than once. This really is a case of "you get what you pay for"


S.

I've been looking for sockets to put on my other ic's in MS, but Digikey is real confusing trying to inturpret what there saying.

I'm looking for the Mill-Max your talking about. Where do you get them and what are the part numbers I need?

Thanks
D

These are the ones I get, Series 110 open frame, 30u gold plated -


US Catalog Page(s)
Digi-Key Catalog - page 326 (Acrobat Version 5.0) - 0326.pdf


Datasheet(s)
Series 110...001 Dual-In-Line Sockets - Dual-In-Line Sockets pg.11, 110-xx-xxx-41-001.pdf (88064 bytes)

Thanks Scott

----- Original Message -----
From: MegaScott (fscotthall@comcast.net)
To: megasquirt-assemble@msefi.com (megasquirt-assemble@msefi.com)
Sent: Friday, April 07, 2006 9:56 AM
Subject: Where to use Sockets?



These are the ones I get, Series 110 open frame, 30u gold plated -


US Catalog Page(s)
Digi-Key Catalog - page 326 (Acrobat Version 5.0) - 0326.pdf


Datasheet(s)
Series 110...001 Dual-In-Line Sockets - Dual-In-Line Sockets pg.11, 110-xx-xxx-41-001.pdf (88064 bytes)



Scott Hall
NEW V1.3 EEC-IV to Megasquirt adaptor board now Available!! CLICK HERE!!


This post is at: viewtopic.php?p=112787#112787



No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.3.5/303 - Release Date: 4/6/2006

Posted by email.

Hey, When you mod these things as much as I do, you find you can save your board if you have sockets installed, really, they only add a couple bucks to the cost.

The socket on the MCU is mandatory in my book, the Mill-Max machined sockets are the best you can buy.