An easy way to mount DS18B20 temperature sensors

One of the biggest advantage of these sensors over I2C sensors, is that you can mount them almost anywhere. That having been said, I’ve never quite managed to come up with an elegant solution, particularly when attaching to a heatsink (for cooling applications).

Typically I find myself drilling 5mm holes in pieces of aluminum, then stuffing the sensor in that hole, or using small metal clips, which aren’t always reliable.

One solution I looked at using the aluminum heatsink clips from vintage TO-92 transistors i.e. 2N3403 and 2N4425. These are absolutely perfect but unfortunately the clips aren’t purchasable without the transistor. Sadly these parts are no longer in production and becoming increasingly rare. Destroying them to scavenge thier heatsink clips is a little senseless.

Without wanting risk the wrath of the world’s remaining Ham Radio enthusiasts… what other options are there?

I recently had the idea of using ‘Yellow’ (6mm) ring terminals with 3.2mm holes:

Perfect! All I had to do was remove the plastic band, cut the crimp and open it a little, add a little heatsink compound (to be pedantic), then gently crimp the sensor in place with pliers.

This has turned out to be a robust and inexpensive solution, as those terminals are made of copper, they conduct heat very effectively. I wish I had thought of this a decade ago.

Putting a little heatshrink over the final assembly makes for a good finishing touch.

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