Tips'n tricks for you

[kent]

I cut an alligator clip test lead in half and soldered a 2W low ohmage resistor in between. It makes for an easy way to drain large PS caps. On a tube amp I'll stick it between the plate of the first tube and ground so it pulls the current from all the caps through that one point. Just don't forget to take it out when you power up again!

- and that light bulb trick has saved my butt more than once!

cheers,
kent

 

[Test Point]

"Just don't forget to take it out when you power up again!"

Been there, done that! It makes copious amount of smoke as the bleeder resistor burns!!! :wink:

TP

 

[Guest]

As I have just bought my first Weller Soldering Iron I can actually say....

Try and use 22SWG solder - I have been using 18SWG 'cos I tought 18 is less than 22 so it must be thinner...
I was also using a £6 cheapo ebay soldering iron
Half way through the Calrec EQ I reread some beginners and order the correct gear
Soldering those Calrec pads with 18SWG wire and a massive tip has certainly improved my soldering

 

[Buttercup]

Check the scematic against the circuit as many times as you can
as, if you are anything like dippy old me, you may end up getting
all the way to etching the pcb, soldering the bits on, putting it in
the mic and THEN finding out that there is an all important connection
missing.

Actually bought a set of 'helping hands'.
Cost me about £3 and is a complete lifesaver.

Always have someone on hand to show your work to who you
KNOW will boost your ego by telling you how clever you are!!!!

Don't be too much of a perfectionist and learn to letttttttt goooo.
Some of my biggest triumphs have come out of making a complete
pigs ear of something, leaving it alone for a few hours and
going back with fresh eyes etc....

 

[moqtev]

This is excellent stuff for a newbie...please keep this thread going.... :grin:

Morten

 

[Leslie West]

I don´t know if this is the right threat for that, but:

If you are switching balanced signals via a relay always put at every signal in & out of this relay a resistor with 1-10 MOhm and put the other ends of these resistors together. Then you have no clicks and pops anymore....

When you are using unbalanced Signals put this resistors to ground.

Leslie