Connector - nolanhergert/EasyLED GitHub Wiki
Kind of require USB for using external USB power, but what about the LED strips and other stuff?
Requirements:
- At least 3 pins. 4 is preferable. Power, ground, data 1, data 2.
- I think injection over-molded. However, might not be necessary? Need to test.
Note: All connector types are good enough for water resistance (I think, untested) and strain relief. Note: Ranked by importance
| Category | Dupont/Ribbon/.1" header | Audio Jack | USB Micro | USB C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | ~$.15 each $2 for 40-pin 30cm |
$.10 each $.14 for male to male + .06 shipping in quantity https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Jack-3-5mm-Audio-Extension-Cable_62248272505.html |
Need data pins $.30 each $.25 plus shipping https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/cantell-3A-High-grade-android-usb_62421542827.html Or $.33 on ebay from US! https://www.ebay.com/itm/100x-Bulk-Wholesale-Lot-Of-Micro-USB-Cable-Charger-Cord-9-Inch-Cable-Quality-/254636147047 $.30, 2ft, color is not deep black though https://www.ebay.com/itm/393183832060 Cheapest ($.33 with free shipping), but wide-ish connector (11.4mm is least wide, 12.4mm is max width. (adds .5mm on each top and side) 12.7mm on board is ok) :/ https://www.superdutyproducts.com/products/wholesale-lot-100x-3ft-black-or-white-micro-usb-data-charging-phone-tablet-cable, https://detail.1688.com/offer/568473148750.html?spm=a26352.13672862.offerlist.140.383e325aaVw64x |
$.60 each $.28+.28 shipping https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Usb-Type-C-Cable-Type-C_62038680599.html USB C to USB C for $1.25 in US. https://www.ebay.com/itm/143728527172 |
| Manufacturability | Bad (at least for TH). Requires manual assembly Need to glue dupont connectors together so it's easy to plug |
No PNP for some reason | Yes | Yes |
| Power (4V, 1A min) | >5V >2.1A | Some connectors are 1A rated, not sure about cables | 5V 1.8A | 5V 2.1A? |
| Looks | Hard to get ribbon cable all black. Multi-color dupont apparently looks like a prototype and not scuff resistant (wires aren't double shrouded) Can't find waterproof plugs Not keyed |
Great! | Great! | Great! |
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Micro USB cable, tending away from the non-injection-molded cheap design since the connector can come apart fairly easily apparently. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X9X428M/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?pd_rd_i=B06X9X428M, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0784FGRXV/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?pd_rd_i=B0784FGRXVp13NParams&. Need consistent quality!
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Micro USB connector. Deciding between MICRO 4P DIP (1A max per pin,
$.044 each), and MICRO XNJ NB ($ .055 each, but 1.8A per pin). Easy decision I think...
- I personally don't mind using .1" header connectors (dupont wire) and marine (hot glue lined) heat shrink, but they apparently don't look that professional.
- Doing it without a connector is just way too hand-done. People will want to mix and match and I don't want to hand-do everything.
- Hot glue works too, but most people don't want to deal with it. However, DIY folks will.
Doesn't matter usb c or micro usb, at least I don't think...
- JLCPCB support pick and placing the female side of this jack
- USB Micro jack is reliably
$.03, whereas USB C is reliably $ .10. Not that much of a difference. - Easy to find USB micro cables of the proper length for
$.30-$ .40 in quantities of 100 stateside on ebay. Cheap USB C cables still have $100 shipping on Alibaba. - People already have plenty of USB Micro cables. Most battery designs have a usb micro cable already (at least the Monoprice ones)
- Dollar Tree has both for $1. They interestingly don't say the USB C carries 2.1A though. Need to test it!
- Not using it for actual USB
$.25 for micro usb cable: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/cantell-3A-High-grade-android-usb_62421542827.html?spm=a2700.7724857.normal_offer.d_title.21fe39d3j1B0JJ $.30 for one sided USB C cable: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Usb-Type-C-Cable-Type-C_62038680599.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.2b07477cf2Lopt&s=p
- Potential long term is for USB C cables to be double ended. Woo!
AliExpress, they don't have them for cheaper than $.60.
Another concept. Doesn't have to be this, but it is ubiquitous.
- Use a rubber gasket around it. Seems to work for other projects, should work fine for me. Maybe throw in some marine heat shrink for mechanical and waterproof stability
- 28 awg wires are barely ok, will carry 1A in the air. But what about in epoxy? TEST
- $.20 each in quantity for a male to male, but strangely only on Alibaba and not on AliExpress, Monoprice, etc. https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Alibaba-Wholesale-3-5mm-jack-Audio_1600188319501.html?spm=a2700.7724857.normal_offer.d_title.6ddf631fibsslr,
- 3.5mm $.12 in quantity: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Jack-3-5mm-Audio-Extension-Cable_62248272505.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.61375d67mrZvUN
- Ask them if they will do a run of 2.5mm? (smaller outer width too)
- $25 shipping
- 2.5mm, $.40 per end: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Mini-Jack-2-5mm-3-5mm_62322389294.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.52fb33d5C4akla
- 2.5mm ships from USA, sorta slim, $.60 in quantity. https://www.mycablemart.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=5757
- 3.5mm $.12 in quantity: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Jack-3-5mm-Audio-Extension-Cable_62248272505.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.61375d67mrZvUN
- Use a TRRS connector, assuming it's the same price, just in case. Never know when it will come in handy in the future..
- Two wires are required for I2C. However, it's likely that if you have another wemos, then you'll just connect over wifi :). However, that might suck power over time unless you manage it? Just need to sync settings initially and check clock drift.