Voltage Divider Enclosure

Using a potentiometer as voltage divider is a useful tool for prototyping, analyzing and troubleshooting electronic circuits but sometimes it's a challenge to use one in a safe, neat and efficient manner.  

This enclosure provides easy connection points for Dupont connectors, alligator clips, mini-hooks or wire wrapping.  It keeps the device flat on the bench while minimizing the potential for unintentional contact with other things.  I used a 10K ohm pot.

The 3D printed base has a void below the board for the projecting solder points on the back side of the PCB.  The board is not fastened to the base.  It sits on peripheral supports in a pocket and is held in place by the top which is glued over the board with six small spots of cyanoacrylate gel.  

The three 4-pin male headers connect to the two ends and to the wiper of the pot.  The exposed solder points on the face of the board are not connected to anything; only the header pins are connected to the pot.

Both parts were printed with PLA through a 0.3 mm nozzle with 0.8 mm shells, 12% infill and a 0.1 mm layer height.  Both pieces must be printed upside-down.

NOTE: A breadboard-type PCB is strongly recommended for this project.  Parallel rows of five solder points are connected on the board (see image).  Using a common project board with isolated solder pads requires shorting the four pins of each header and complicates connecting the pot terminals to the headers. It can be done but it's more difficult to make the connections.

Bill of Materials:

3D Printed Parts:

• Base
• Top

Purchased or Parts Box Parts: 

• Mini PCB Prototype Board Solderable Circuit Board 
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081MSKJJX?
• 10K Ohm Breadboard Trim Potentiometer with Knob
  https://www.amazon.com/BOJACK-Breadboard-Potentiometer-Terminal-Resistors/dp/B0819PJ33B/
• 40 pin Breakable Pin Header 2.54mm Single Row Male Header Connector
  https://www.amazon.com/Jabinco-Breakable-Header-Connector-Arduino/dp/B0817JG3XN/
• 24 gauge solid wire (pre-formed breadboard connector wires work well)
• solder
• cyanoarylate glue