exxos's Atari, Amiga & retro forum

What are they called and where can you find these "metal brackets" that are used to better block the chips in the socket?
Thank you.

luciodra wrote: 10 Apr 2026 08:28 What are they called and where can you find these "metal brackets" that are used to better block the chips in the socket?

If you find a source for them I would be interested in a few as well :)

I'm considering not using PLCC sockets in future stuff and just solder the chips directly on the PCB when those packages are the only option.
It feels like connection issues can be a bit too common with these although I'm sure that probably depends on the quality of the socket, and/or how worn the chip legs are.

True, sometimes oddities occur which can be resolved by tapping your finger (with Raven off) on the components mounted on those sockets (68015 and Nessi). At least that's what seems to happen... :D

kodak80 wrote: 09 Apr 2026 09:25 Raven060 pgusinit-3.8.0a (for use with firmware 4.0.0.).7z

PiGUS v4.1.0 out. And, now considered stable. (Bunch of problems/bugs in v4.0.0)

luciodra wrote: 10 Apr 2026 08:28 What are they called and where can you find these "metal brackets" that are used to better block the chips in the socket?

Retention clips. I asked a bunch of people over the years. No one else seems to have come across them, that I can find.

agranlund wrote: 10 Apr 2026 14:22 I'm considering not using PLCC sockets in future stuff and just solder the chips directly on the PCB when those packages are the only option.
It feels like connection issues can be a bit too common with these although I'm sure that probably depends on the quality of the socket, and/or how worn the chip legs are.

And, 3M have given EOL notice on the THT sockets they produce. Maybe having pads to solder, along with THT pins might be the solution going forward?

Though, now that in-place programming for the 1508 is possible, soldering direct isn't really a bad idea, at all...

Mikerochip wrote: 15 Apr 2026 15:31

agranlund wrote: 10 Apr 2026 14:22 I'm considering not using PLCC sockets in future stuff and just solder the chips directly on the PCB when those packages are the only option.
It feels like connection issues can be a bit too common with these although I'm sure that probably depends on the quality of the socket, and/or how worn the chip legs are.

And, 3M have given EOL notice on the THT sockets they produce. Maybe having pads to solder, along with THT pins might be the solution going forward?

Though, now that in-place programming for the 1508 is possible, soldering direct isn't really a bad idea, at all...

I have just designed adapter PCBs for Nessi and the 68150 (like those the designer of the Excelgraph W32i card was using during his development)
Will try them out when they arrive in a week or two…
Need to desolate the PLCC sockets from the Raven then - a bit frightening…

LarryL wrote: 15 Apr 2026 16:07

Mikerochip wrote: 15 Apr 2026 15:31

And, 3M have given EOL notice on the THT sockets they produce. Maybe having pads to solder, along with THT pins might be the solution going forward?

Though, now that in-place programming for the 1508 is possible, soldering direct isn't really a bad idea, at all...

I have just designed adapter PCBs for Nessi and the 68150 (like those the designer of the Excelgraph W32i card was using during his development)
Will try them out when they arrive in a week or two…
Need to desolate the PLCC sockets from the Raven then - a bit frightening…

Nothing to desoldering, if it's a fresh solder job. It just comes straight out. use a desolder pump with a silicone tip, like the Engineer, and it'll make a full seal around the plate, and everything comes right out. Just give it 1-3 seconds, to become a liquid before you press. Ground planes are the hardest.

Practice first, but, after about 5 pins, you should be an expert :D

You can use a desolder gun, but, unless it's a fairly expensive one, you'll spend almost as much time cleaning it out, as using it.
The Engineer is almost faster, on relatively few pins.

Post a render of your PCBs?

Mikerochip wrote: 15 Apr 2026 16:15 Post a render of your PCBs?

They have to sit flush on the Mainboard. Lots of flux and soldering through the THT holes of the PLCC footprint

Here is a description of how the guy with the Excelgraph VGA card was doing it
https://www.alexandrugroza.ro/microele ... index.html

I have a desoldering gun - cheaper Chinese one ZD-something. Used it a lot already - and yes, needs good cleaning…

Very interesting. He's made the surface mount IC into, basically, an almost BGA type, for a tht socket.
Just make *really* sure, you've no solder bridges!! :lol:

Good luck 8-)

Mikerochip wrote: 15 Apr 2026 16:40 Very interesting. He's made the surface mount IC into, basically, an almost BGA type, for a tht socket.
Just make *really* sure, you've no solder bridges!! :lol:

Good luck 8-)

Yeah :-)
Even more frightening than the desoldering job :mrgreen: