Visual ID Guide for Hobbyist PCB Connectors/Components
Opportunity Identified: Electronics hobbyists and students often find it challenging to recognize unfamiliar components or connectors on PCBs, which can slow down their projects and learning.
Product Suggestion: A comprehensive, visually-oriented guide (like an interactive online tool or app) for identifying PCB-mounted components and connectors. This tool would include:
- High-quality images of various component footprints and the components themselves.
- Key features highlighted (e.g., number of pins, shape, common markings).
- Examples of common uses for each component/connector type.
- Search functionality based on visual characteristics (e.g., "3 pins, round hole," "oval pads for screws") or known parameters.
- Links to datasheets or supplier pages for further information.
Expected Benefit: This tool would help electronics beginners and hobbyists learn faster, reduce project roadblocks due to misidentification or inability to identify components, and boost their confidence in tackling electronics projects. It would serve as a quick reference, saving time spent searching forums or datasheets.
Origin Reddit Post
r/askelectronics
Guys, do you know what component is this for
Posted by u/valorunethewriter•06/04/2025
Top Comments
u/valorunethewriter
Omg you guys are so helpful, thanks a lot!
u/Working-Papaya-4903
* It seems to be a **breakout section** for connecting external wires or components, with clearly labeled terminals (1 through 6).
* The **oval-shaped pads** are typical of screw terminals or
u/LindsayOG
Looks like a barrel connector would fit here.
u/AbbeyMackay
DC jack I'd guess
u/TiogaJoe
And in that post from a week ago he said the TA gave him a list of components. Seems like he should post the list.
u/4b686f61
Sure there are traces running through the "breakout" sections.
u/whyFooBoo
It looks like something I've been using a lot of lately - a 2.5mm stereo audio socket PJ-210
[https://www.lcsc.com/product-detail/Audio-Connectors\_SHOU-HAN-PJ-210-3P\_C668602.html](https://
u/Snowycage
Barrel jack. Looks like it at least.
u/mahaju
DC power supply or audio jack socket maybe?
u/Accomplished_Pack556
5.5mm barrel jack with 2.1mm pin, if it's for a pedalboard.
u/nixiebunny
You showed us this board a couple weeks ago. My guess is it’s a right angle banana jack.
u/Different_Sell8388
thanks chatgpt
u/MikemkPK
I suspect those are for mounting small motors (in your last post, you said motors) for testing the board.
If you look at the breakout sections, there's a trace running to each of them from t
u/Dens_Pie
I'd guess either a barrel jack (smaller ones) or an audio jack (maybe 2.5mm trs)
u/jeweliegb
3.5mm stereo or 4 way jack sockets I suspect?