Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Phil" <phil1960us@y...> wrote:
> I've seen this done and was wondering if anyone has some words of 
> wisdom as to how to do it.  Basically, I want to attach a ribbon 
> cable directly to a PCB.  The non-PCB end will use an IDC connector 
> but I can't afford the size of header pins on the PCB.  I've seen 
> several LCDs that have 50 mil spacing hole/pads.  The insulation 
was 
> stripped of the ribbon cable, the wires inserted in the holes and 
> soldered.  The solder is about 1 mm high.  I need 2-3 mm clearance 
so 
> that works for me.  Clearance on the bottom is a little less a 
> problem but even SMT connectors are too big.
> 
> Are there special tools for this?  It sure looks tricky to do.  
What 
> size holes/pads? 
> 
> Phil


It sounds like you addressed the problem.

Drill holes, offset from one another, diameter to all the wire to 
pass.

Insert the wire in the holes and solder.  Nip the ends and you have a 
solid connection.

You could do two row parallel or staggered as you need.

Dave