Introduction: Connectorless Zigzag ISP Connector

About: During the development of the Maxun One solar bike, I constantly needed special equipment, parts and software, and so I rolled from one project to another. In September 2010, I started this website where I sha…

An Arduino ISP connector is used, among others, for burning a bootloader and for programming ATtiny chips. When the ISP connector is only used once for programming, and than never again, it would be more convenient not to use a connector. Therefore, I created the connectorless 1x6 mini ISP connector and the mini 1x6 ISP adapter. By the zigzag positions of the PCB holes, the male ISP connector pins press against the holes and make electrical contact, and so no PCB connector is needed.

Step 1: Zigzag Holes

The construction is simple: By the zigzag positions of the PCB holes, the male connector pins press against the holes and make electrical contact. The connector is self-clamping. The idea is inspired by the Sparkfun 1X06_LOCK Eagle footprint.

Step 2: Advantages

  • No Pogo pins needed
  • In contrast to the Pogo adapter, the connector remains plugged in without any help
  • The construction is simple
  • Small footprint since the pitch is 1.27mm
  • Zero ISP connector cost

Step 3: Mini 1x6 ISP Adapter

With the mini 1x6 ISP adapter we can connect the zigzag ISP connector. The connector pins are thin and are suitable for the Eagle footprint. It is made compatible with the connector of the programmer USBasp.

Step 4: ​See Also Here