Header Pins On Avionics, How Reliable?

[Yukon@K-9 Rocket Tech]

In your experience, how reliable were header pins on your rocket avionics? How did they perform compared to other types of connectors in the long term?

 

[FredA]

The weak[er] point of most designs.
I often remove the headers and solder leads directly to the PCB.
Some vendors will sell boards without the headers -- love those accommodating types ;-)

 

[heada]

Headers for use on the bench to do things like code/firmware updates are perfectly fine. Headers for flight controls that must be connected during flight, I much prefer some kind of connector (i.e. Molex, JST, etc.) with positive retention. Headers for jumpers to making config selections are ok but not ideal.

 

[RobinSmith01987]

Thanks for the detailed answer.

 

[Voyager1]

I would only use latching header connectors for onboard wiring with cable ties to secure wiring to the boards, and the wiring between connected boards.

 

[cerving]

Most header sockets only have two points of contact, so a movement in the other plane can make them come loose. I wouldn't use one in flight. Soldering to the board is best; screw terminals with solid pins soldered to the wires are good too, just make sure the screws are tightened before every flight. And regardless, your wires should be zip-tied or otherwise immobilized.