Advantest R3131 extension card

[Renaud F5ZR]

I bought some month ago a faulty and cheap R3131.
I read a lot here about them and realised that I would need an extension card to fix it.
I choose to build one with Veroboard. The base plate I cut in 1.5 mm aluminium on which I bolted the 96 pins Eurocard connectors.

Three Veroboard levels are needed to fill the 96 points.
First level:


To push the next Vero inside I had to remove the little brass posts on one side.
The male wrapping connectors were available so I used them but they were less convenient to solder than the female ones I bought.

Three populated levels:

Of course a careful control is needed before placing the next level.

I added another aluminium plate over the lot with a bending to help insertion. It also avoid to stress the connectors and the solderings.

[nctnico]

That is quite a bit of work. But there is an alternative: I typically solve this issue by soldering wires to the board to connect to a scope or any other kind of test equipment. The wires extend beyond the casing. This way cooling of a module isn't impacted.

[Renaud F5ZR]

Thanks for replying.
It is! But I have a fine mechanical workshop and I like this kind of work.
As I read a lot here about the R3131 I knew that way of doing. As I don't know where this will drive me I made that one.
It could be overkill of course yes! Then it took me only one morning work.
I don't understand your remark about the cooling. I believe the card outside will be naturally cooled. And I could always add some ventilation.
Renaud

[coromonadalix]

good work   

[tautech]

I've used PC IDE ribbon cable between plugs and sockets......
Just be sure to double/treble up the power rails.....

[Renaud F5ZR]

Yes, I plan to use the free lateral tracks to do just that... once I determine which are the ground and power tracks!
Thanks
Renaud

[nctnico]

I don't understand your remark about the cooling. I believe the card outside will be naturally cooled. And I could always add some ventilation.

In this case cooling is likely not critical but there are other cases where cooling is critical. I just wanted to propose a different way to tackle the problem.

[Renaud F5ZR]

 Ok, agreed.
And thanks to Coromonadalix I missed before.

[Renaud F5ZR]

Oh, and I just bought a R3361 and wonder if my card will fit?