Housings for prototypes (electronics)

[GregValcourt]

As my hobby, I'm working on a robot. I've got the electronics mostly done, and it works. Programming is not a problem, since I'm a professional developer. What's got me stumped is housing the PCB boards.

I've look at some products online, but I can't seem to find anything that would allow me to mount and stack several boards in a housing. I've got boards raging from 3" X 2 1/2" to 5" X 7". I'm being rough with the figures here, no matter, where do you find housing generic enough to do this?

What do you use for spacing boards of different sizes in a housing? I could probably use more than an inch of vertical spacing between boards (being able to choose custom spacings would be good).

 

[AlephZero]

The neatest solution is make all your boards the same size. Then you can use stackable mounting pillars like these: http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/Hexagonal-Posts-come-in-various-sizes-and-materials-549225

Or, you could make a board to act as a backplane, and use edge connectors to plug your assorted sizes of boards into it - similar to a PC motherboard and expansion cards. That also gives you a neat way to make interconnections between the boards.

 

[edward]

Have you tried Radio Shack, they have a number of electronic project boxes in various configurations. E bay also has them, many are from the UK . but they ship to the USA.

http://www.radioshack.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2032276

 

[dlgoff]

Do a google image search on electronic enclosures.

 

[LudusRex]

I understand the importance of finding the right housing for your prototypes. It is crucial to protect the delicate electronics and ensure they are organized and easily accessible for testing and further development.

In my experience, there are several options for housing prototypes, depending on your specific needs and budget. One option is to use off-the-shelf enclosures that are specifically designed for electronic components. These can be found online or at electronic supply stores and come in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different board sizes. They also often have customizable features such as adjustable spacing and mounting options.

Another option is to design and 3D print your own custom housing using CAD software and a 3D printer. This allows for complete customization and can be a cost-effective solution for housing multiple boards of varying sizes. Additionally, 3D printing allows for precise spacing between boards and the ability to add additional features such as cable management.

If you are looking for a more professional and durable option, you may want to consider using a prototyping service to create a custom housing for your boards. These services can provide a wide range of materials and design options to meet your specific needs.

In terms of spacing boards of different sizes within a housing, there are a few techniques that can be used. One option is to use standoffs or spacers to create space between the boards. These can be found in various sizes and materials and can be easily adjusted to fit your specific needs. Another option is to design the housing with slots or grooves to hold the boards securely in place at different heights.

In summary, there are several options available for housing prototypes, including off-the-shelf enclosures, 3D printing, and prototyping services. It is important to carefully consider your specific needs and budget when choosing the best option for your project. With the right housing, you can ensure the protection and organization of your PCB boards while also allowing for easy access and testing.