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CONSTRUCTION
Since you may appreciate some "warm-up" soldering practice as well as a
chance to put some "landmarks" on the PC board, we'll first install some
"hardware" components. This will also help us to get acquainted with the up -
down, left - right orientation of the circuit board. Remember that the
components will be mounted on the "component" side of the circuit board
and soldered on the "solder" side of the circuit board. Also, save your wire
clippings. You will need them later on in your circuit.
There are three basic considerations in assembling this PC board:
1. Good, basic PC board construction techniques.
2. Avoiding or repairing "solder bridges" on many different IC or LED display
solder joints.
3. A smooth fit of the PC board with the paddles and control board. This is
essential to the success of the project.
We encourage you to follow our suggested order of assembly.
1. First, identify the three basic parts of the PC board, the main board,
front board and paddles. We will separate the three parts of the board
into their parts if this has not already been done for you. This can be
accomplished by setting the slot between the paddles and the main
board on the edge of a table or bench. Continue by pushing down the
section of circuit board that is hanging over the edge. The board should
separate into two pieces. Next, separate the front board from the main
board using the same technique. NOTE: It is important to break off the
paddles before the front board. You may notice that if you break the
front board off first, one paddle may break!
2. Find the large 1/4" stereo jack (J1). This should resemble a small
black box with a round opening at one end. Press the jack firmly into the
PC board so that all connections fit correctly. Using a hot, clean
soldering iron, solder all connections. Be sure to use good soldering
techniques, and only use enough solder to make the connection. Too
much solder may stick to places that you don't want, and it's messy, too!
3. Place the two RCA jacks (J4, J5) in their places on the board. These
jacks will have a colored plastic insulator on the inside of the jack, and
should "snap" into place. Solder the jacks into place. Be sure to use
enough heat to "flow" the connections on to the circuit board - this not
only ensures a good electrical connection, it also strengthens the
connector for a trouble-free hookup.
CW700 • 11
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