SIP Sockets

[Ginsly]

Breadboarding pre-pcb has cut down on my use of SIP sockets, but there are times when I still like to use them on transistors and other components.

I’ve been using the strips from Tayda, assuming they’re all pretty much the same. Is that true? Other than the circular fiberglass ones (Mill-Max, etc) that are specifically for transistors, are there any SIP socket break-away rows that are better than what I already have?

This seems to be common knowledge, but even with kinked component legs they’re not the most secure- I understand why some people hate em! I still find them useful, but would love to upgrade from the Tayda ones if possible. Something tells me they’re all about the same, though.

 

[jessenator]

While you're at this crossroads, take the opportunity to quit altogether

Although I'm in the recent past guilty, I'm a fast repenter, and experimenting is for the breadboard. Solder those transistors!

 

[jwin615]

If you use really long ones, they will usually clear the hole when being desoldered as long as you didn't use a giant blob in the first place.
Conversely, ditch them all together, use long pin headers and take Dupont wire over to the breadboard. Way easter to quickly audition. In some instances, I just jam male Dupont wires into the PCB holes.

There is a potential difference in quality when it comes to the inner contacts. Check the datasheets. Below is from a MillMax dip socket datasheet. It lists 4 internal contacts. The tayda "datasheets"(photos) don't list any contacts but show a simpler flange of sorts. Cheaper and easier to manufacture but probably not as robust. Does it matter? probably not.

 

[Ginsly]

There is a potential difference in quality when it comes to the inner contacts. Check the datasheets. Below is from a MillMax dip socket datasheet. It lists 4 internal contacts.

Bingo- I bet these are indeed better than Tayda’s, although I can’t say for sure. Which MillMax model is this? All of their components are pretty pricey, but IF I’m going to use these damn things it’d probably be wise to use good ones…

 

[Ginsly]

@StompBoxParts are these sockets you carry Mill-Max?

 

[StompBoxParts]

@StompBoxParts are these sockets you carry Mill-Max?

No. They do have a four finger inner clip though so they grab on to leads pretty well.

 

[Ginsly]

No. They do have a four finger inner clip though so they grab on to leads pretty well.

Excellent, thank you!

 

[Stickman393]

I can speak from experience: the "bad" sockets wear out much faster than the millmax or preci-dip.

They're about the same for the first two or three uses. Much more than that, though, and the cheapies tend to lose their bite.

 

[Ginsly]

I can speak from experience: the "bad" sockets wear out much faster than the millmax or preci-dip.

They're about the same for the first two or three uses. Much more than that, though, and the cheapies tend to lose their bite.

I'm really glad I asked- just figured they were all pretty much made at the same plant and re-branded! Guess not.

Sounds like the StompBoxParts ones are good'uns as well as these Mill-Max sockets. Never heard of Preci-dip! On par with Mill-Max I take it?

 

[Stickman393]

Afaik, yeah. They're similar enough. They're the other brand available on mouser. SBP offers good stuff too. I'll still buy the tayda's that are pre-trimmed to 2/3/4 poles, but that's only for builds that I don't expect to swap devices in.