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LIF: Saving my ROM

A project log for ZTO-80 Computer System

A powerful Z80 computer built around a highly expandable central bus design

jacob-hahnJacob Hahn 09/08/2019 at 05:370 Comments

Tonight I was looking around eBay to check for low prices on parts I need to build my SBC, and I came across a socket called a "Low Insertion Force" socket. These sockets are built for prototyping or chips that are made to be removed often and they are much cheaper than ZIF sockets. The standard IC sockets I use hold onto the chips inserted into them very tightly, which is great for any that I don't have to remove, but in my case is bad for my ROM IC. I need to remove it and replace it many times to experiment with code, so the tight grip could eventually start to cause damage from stress to the board and socket. With these LIF sockets, I can hold my IC in tightly and remove it easily when I need to, and I can fit them into a standard socket so I can remove them when I have my final code. I went ahead and bought 10 of them for less than a dollar a piece.

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