Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!lll-winken!lll-lcc!ames!ll-xn!mit-eddie!uw-beaver!uw-june!uw-entropy!dataio!pilchuck!ssc!markz From: markz@ssc.UUCP (Mark Zenier) Newsgroups: sci.electronics Subject: Re: Vero-wire circuit prototyping system Summary: Problems with Scotchflex Keywords: vero wire prototype Message-ID: <1337@ssc.UUCP> Date: 15 Jul 88 19:41:16 GMT References: <187@lithium.kcl-cs.UUCP> <1329@ssc.UUCP> <3281@cadnetix.COM> Organization: SSC, Inc., Seattle, WA Lines: 43 In article <3281@cadnetix.COM>, rusty@cadnetix.COM (Rusty) writes: ... > > well, Having used the 3M version for some prototypes before I came > to Cadnetix, I will share my personal experience: > > If you build a prototype with such a system, test it immediately, > and then toss it aside, the prototype systems are pretty slick. > > HOWEVER, the wires are VERY sensitive to stress. Like, removing the IC > more than once or twice; flexing the board, touching the wires too often, > etc. can give you the best intermittents you have ever seen. > > Wirewrap lasts 'forever', almost. So think about how long you want the > prototype to work and how much stress it will be under. I use a homemade breadboard using Vector board strengthened with aluminum extrusions and my prototypes are good for a couple of months of messing around. The setup has standoffs to keep the wiring off the tabletop. Problems I have found with Scotchflex. 1. When they say only two wires to a IDC connection (equivalent to 4 wirewrap), they mean it. The bottom wire will be cut in half if you try to tack on a third. 2. Flexing the wire from side to side relative to the the IDC slot will cause breaks since the wire is already creased. 3. If the board is too thick, the socket tops won't stay on. The combination of vector board and Wrap ID's is too thick. 4. I break about 10% of the IDC terminals each time, no big deal (except for schools) since they are only good for 25 times (3M says). 5. It's expensive, 500% over cheap wirewrap. Since 3M has bought AP , one of the major sellers of socket breadboards, I would expect Scotchflex to remain in the background, which is a pity given the advantages of speed and low profile. Mark Zenier uunet!pilchuck!ssc!markz "Kinda scary. One guy said he had heard they were a bunch of wierdo gourmets from somewhere in Orange County, looking for new taste thrills."