Is it a terrible idea to attached a Raspberry Pi Zero to the inside of a wood project with a comm...

[G+_Jonathon Huff]

Is it a terrible idea to attached a Raspberry Pi Zero to the inside of a wood project with a command strip? Other than screws, are there other ways to attach a small board like that to the inside of a wood box?

[G+_Andrew Latham]

command strip == Double Sided Adhesive Pad

Try searching for "Circuit Board Slot Guide Rail"

[G+_Paul Hutchinson]

It depends entirely on the application, there are many ways to attach a PCB to an enclosure (although in a wooden enclosure usually tiny wood screws are one of the easiest and most versatile methods).

 

A few of the parameters that influence the choice of fastening method:

Temperature range

Humidity range

UV (sunlight) exposure

Does it need to be serviceable or is it disposable

 

[G+_David Peach]

Hot glue. You may want to test yours for conductivity, but the glue I have is not electrically conductive. If I'm concerned about getting glue into components that I may need to access later, I put a piece of painter's tape over the backside of the board before gluing it into place.

 

Hot glue is strong enough to hold it in place but easily torn away if necessary, especially if you can hit it with a heat gun (though not necessary). And, if the project just needs a small dab to lock something in place (instead of being the sole fastener), then hot glue is great because you can dispense a small amount as needed.

 

In awkward places where I can't get heat shrink or electrical tape on a connection, I use hot glue to insulate my wiring. Peels away nicely when needed.

[G+_Jeff Gros]

It depends on the application, and the materials used.

 

Adhesives have different electrical characteristics. Some are conductive, others are not. I've had no issues with 3M double stick tape strips in the past. However, I always stick to bare spots (no components, only solder mask) in the board. I have stuck kapton tape on the board first as an insulator, but there are other issues (see next paragraph).

 

A RasPi Zero is pretty small from what I remember and probably doesn't have bare spots. I don't think using double stick tape in this case is a good idea. You are likely to damage the board by ripping components off if the enclosure is subject to vibration.

 

Wood is an insulator, so you can screw directly to the wood. Unless the wood is still active (leaking sap) or the wood gets wet (humidity or otherwise) you won't have issues screwing in directly. Personally though I would use plastic standoffs just to make sure if you use this approach.

 

Of everything I've offered above, I think screws with standoffs is the safest approach.

[G+_Shooter_FPV (Shooter_FP]

Or if you have access to a 3D printer you can always print one. An enclosure would protect it too, depending on how you’re going to use it.

[G+_Jason Brown]

Legos

[G+_Jonathon Huff]

Ken Jancef I wish I had access to a printer. I agree this would be ideal.

[G+_Shooter_FPV (Shooter_FP]

Jonathon Huff Well how about this: search for something you need on Thingiverse... if it’s relatively small, and you don’t mind the color, I can print it and throw it your way...

[G+_David Peach]

Jonathon Huff even without a printer (though I use mine whenever I can even if it is not the best tool for the job), you can use small blocks of wood (like 1/4" or less X 1/2") to make little standoffs for the Pi Zero. Then screw through that into your project. That gives airflow and electrical isolation if you are concerned about those issues.

[G+_Jeff Gros]

3D printed standoffs!

Taking everyone's ideas and combining them is a cornerstone of engineering! :)

[G+_Ben Reese]

More to David Peach?'s point, I've had success screwing stand-offs directly into wood (laminate flooring in this pic).

 

But I like the hot glue idea too.

[G+_Jonathon Huff]

thanks for all the input everyone; i think at this point, i'm just going to make little wood standoffs and screw the pi into those and then glue them to the plywood enclosure. I think that will meet all my needs.