Music Maker not flush if using stacking headers

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econstantin
 
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Joined: Wed May 03, 2023 1:29 am

Music Maker not flush if using stacking headers

Post by econstantin »

Hi, I have a Music Maker shield which I'd like to place on top of an Arduino Mega and use stacking headers.

If use the regular pins, these provide a spacer that allows the Music Maker to sit flush on the Mega.
However if I use stacking headers, then the USB input on the Mega "props up" the Music Maker and it no longer sits flush with the Mega headers, which seems problematic.

I've attached 2 pictures to show with regular pins (shield is flush) and with stacking headers (shield is tilted).

Any advice or suggestions on how to use stacking headers such that the shield sits flush?

Thanks
Attachments
sits not flush with stacking headers
sits not flush with stacking headers
IMG_8838.jpg (163.28 KiB) Viewed 216 times
sits flush with regular pins
sits flush with regular pins
IMG_8836.jpg (162.35 KiB) Viewed 216 times

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Music Maker not flush if using stacking headers

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

The shield tilts because the header pins are not soldered. If you solder the stacking headers with the pins fully inserted in the music maker, the board will sit level when stacked on the Arduino.

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econstantin
 
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Re: Music Maker not flush if using stacking headers

Post by econstantin »

Thanks @adafruit_support_bill. I'll give it a shot (this is my first time working with a shield) -- however that seems like a pretty large gap (~2mm) to be filled/supported by solder joint?

Thanks
IMG_8879.jpg
IMG_8879.jpg (195.18 KiB) Viewed 213 times
IMG_8878.jpg
IMG_8878.jpg (175.15 KiB) Viewed 213 times

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Music Maker not flush if using stacking headers

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

No need to fill the gap with solder. That would make a mess and risk short circuits.

The 2mm of exposed pins will be more than enough to support the shield.

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westfw
 
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Re: Music Maker not flush if using stacking headers

Post by westfw »

a pretty large gap
The gap is harmless (well, not any more harmful than the rest of the exposed traces and solder joints on an Arduino-class board), but if it really bothers you can put some pieces of insulation or even the insulating bits from a non-stacking header (which are pretty easy to pull off, if you're not doing "many" at one time.) As I did here:
7437919280_8616058330_c.jpg
7437919280_8616058330_c.jpg (54.86 KiB) Viewed 208 times
This is one of the reasons that many newer boards have been using lower-profile USB connectors (mini, micro, USB-C.)

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