Anyone using the Tag-Connect connector?

Projects
1

Just wondering? It is a very nifty, albeit somewhat expensive connector that mates to a footprint. The manufacturer has footprints for KiCad, but if you want the connector with “hooks”, then the footprint is very crammed, requiring extremely thin traces to clear the holes.

2

No. Too expensive for me. I made my own with pogo pins. Non-locking though. Quite nice for crammed or tiny boards.

3

True, 50$ plus 50$ freight. Sometimes to I send out PCBs with just the programmed PIC and in that case is the ICSP connector a problem when I pack… So I took the plunge and ordered one. I did consider pogo-pins though.

Anyone else?

edit: The clearance to route is 0,3mm at the most crammed part so you need to do 0,1mm or 0,15mm traces.

4

I think I’ve read a hackaday discussion revolving around ICP-connectors like the ones you mention:

And that one is pretty recent:

5

Yup. That is neat… Why did I not think of that? Have lots of old cerd edge-connectors lying around…

Incidentally one of the links discuss the routing problems with Tag-Connect:

7

I tried Tag-connect, was not impressed. The hardware guy likes it, but no one else. He went ahead and put it on without asking anyone who will actually be using it :frowning:

The footprint is no smaller than the 0.05" pitch connector, even when the locking holes are left off. So when I was asked to program 50 prototypes by holding the connector to the board, I just said “no!” They found someone in production to do it…

8

Wish I had seen this thread first as a recently came across the Tag-Connect a couple of weeks ago. Was excited and ordered one without the “hooks” and have tried it on the first set of boards with its footprint.

Pros:

  • Reasonably small footprint
  • Pogo-pin contacts seem good
  • Behind the board holder for the “hookless” model does work—at least for awhile

Cons:

  • The KiCad footprint libraries provided are old and disorganized—it was easier to remake them. Don’t believe the company’s claim for up-to-date KiCad support.
  • If I keep using it, I’m locked into a design that requires me to purchase more of the programmers (for field ops) and there is no bulk discounts that I’ve seen.
  • In my limited use, I have noticed a continuity issue from time-to-time with the device. It seems to be related to the cable connector end, not the pogo-pin end. Having to swap connectors on a $50 device seems strange.
9

Did my first board with TAG-Connect, works very well!

1 Like