Mini³ Step by Step Build Log - UPDATED 3/20 (56k Warning!)

[johnwmclean]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacc1234 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I found the instructions a bit sparse compared to Tangents at first but after working on the project and re-reading the site it got better. I guess I was just used to someone holding my hand so when I pulled up the site and was just given a list of component types to solder in order it freaked me out a bit.

...well everythings there on the the AMB site, including links to forums that will aid you should things go astray. Sparse maybe, but for the benefit of learning (Doing It Yourself) I think it’s excellent, gives those brain cells a workout.
I don’t think point to point pictures with every conceiveable scenario laid out for you is good to learn from, especially “DIY”.

 

[jacc1234]

I did do all of my soldering from the bottom after clipping the legs. The solder on the top leaked through probably because I used too much.

 

[Good Times]

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnwmclean /img/forum/go_quote.gif You are kidding right! AMB website is the only thing you need! Instructions and support are fantastic. Not to take away what the OP is doing here...

Yeah hey I know what you're saying, just sometimes you need some reassurance. Ie you get your parts from DigiKey and mark them up as to where they go, but would be good to have just one square, overhead shot so you can confirm that you have things the right way around etc. It's not to avoid having to think, it's just a double check because it's easier to rectify a misplacement before you solder, as the OP has found

AMB site is comprehensive and I'd encourage people to check their resource section too (eg soldering tips bit - very helpful).

 

[j2kei]

dont forget guys that if you are gonna work on the amp again, discharge the capacitors. i accidentally fried my opamp because of charge stored in the capacitors.

 

[thedips]

Quote:

Originally Posted by j2kei /img/forum/go_quote.gif dont forget guys that if you are gonna work on the amp again, discharge the capacitors. i accidentally fried my opamp because of charge stored in the capacitors.

havnt seen this in any of my tutorials on soldering... how do i do this?

and another note.... should i do "all" soldering on the bottom side of the pcb? pretty much anything that i poke thru holes and kink leads?

 

[fordgtlover]

^

Yes

 

[Good Times]

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedips /img/forum/go_quote.gif havnt seen this in any of my tutorials on soldering... how do i do this? ?

Simply turn it on without a power source. The LED will light up for half a second and then die out. You're simply draining the remaining power that the capacitors store.

 

[qusp]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacc1234 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I did do all of my soldering from the bottom after clipping the legs. The solder on the top leaked through probably because I used too much.

wow!! yeah, you could defo use less solder then next time. also I tend to clip the leads AFTER I solder. IME that works out best and you have something to pull on to make sure the part is fairly flush with the board. so did you give up taking pics after the first session??

 

[jacc1234]

No the whole project is fully documented. I updated my first post today with more pictures. I will get the rest up tomorrow.

 

[Ishcabible]

Good guide! I hate SMD soldering with my cheapo $4 soldering iron. The tip is about 2 1/2 pins on the opamps wide.

 

[DKJones96]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ishcabible /img/forum/go_quote.gif Good guide! I hate SMD soldering with my cheapo $4 soldering iron. The tip is about 2 1/2 pins on the opamps wide.

Does it have the typical screw-in soldering iron tips? If so, radio shack has tips that you might find useful. I actually just bought their soldering iron tinning solution for $7 this weekend to put my BantamDAC together and was shocked at how well it worked.

 

[MACDRU]

great pics and instruction. I'm actually building my first mini ^3 right now.

 

[Ishcabible]

My radioshack didn't. Just for their own ones which are somewhat different. I got one from Menards (I totally forgot how to spell that)

 

[jacc1234]

The first page has been updated with everything but images of the complete build and casework. Those will be in a new post later thanks to an image limit.

 

[m1abrams]

For the battery contacts I highly recommend that you do the test fit and trimming before soldering anything. That way you do not have to worry about shorting anything. For me the battery even with it flat to the board is a snug fit in the case so it requires some effort to put it in and out of the case.

Also make certain you connect the polarity on the battery. This is a common mistake that results in a dead zener diode.