alpz-bb

Breadboard adapter PCBs for Aries Electronics 526 series low profile ZIF sockets

PCB Manufacturing

I used JLCPCB to manufacture my boards, and the design is tuned to their capabilities. It might work as-is with other manufacturers, but I haven't tested it.

1. Go to alpz-bb-28/gerber and select "Download ZIP" from the "..." menu to download the gerber and drill files.

   

2. Create an account on JLCPCB if you don't already have one (upload processing seems to get stuck if you don't create an account first). Then go to "Order Now". Upload the ZIP file that you downloaded in step 1.

   

3. Once the upload has finished, you should see a preview of the board design. For the parameters, I selected "PCB Color: Blue" and "Surface Finish: LeadFree HASL", and left the rest at their defaults. Once you're satisfied, click "Save to Cart" and go through the rest of the ordering process.

   

Assembly

1. Bottom (left) and top (right) sides of the board with their respective components. In addition to the Aries ZIF socket, you'll need two 14-pin headers for the alpz-bb-28. Optionally you can also include two 2-pin headers which are not electrically connected, but go underneath the socket lever to add some extra physical stability.

   

2. Use a breadboard to hold the pin headers in place while soldering.

   

3. PCB placed on pin headers, which protrude above the top surface of the board.

   

4. Use a tool with a hard, flat surface to press the pins down until they're flush with the top of the PCB. I used a metal spudger.

   

5. All pins pressed down.

   

6. Solder the pins, then remove the PCB from the breadboard and clean off flux residue. Try to keep the solder domes shallow. Some of mine are too tall, so the ZIF socket won't sit flat on top of the board. It'll still work though.

   

7. Underside view after soldering header pins.

   

8. Lay the ZIF socket upside down with the lever closed.

   

9. Place the PCB upside down on top of the ZIF socket, making sure it's oriented correctly. The lever should be on the same side as the "lever here" label and the 2-pin headers.

   

10. Solder the socket pins, then clean again.

    

11. Top view of completed adapter.

    

12. All done!