Ramsey Electronics SS70A - Manual (Page 6)

SS70A • 6
RAMSEY Learn-As-You-Build KIT ASSEMBLY
There are numerous solder connections on the SS70A printed circuit board.
Therefore, PLEASE take us seriously when we say that good soldering is
essential to the proper operation of your scrambler! Following, are a few
quick tips to make the assembly process a bit more enjoyable.
•
Use a 25-50 watt soldering pencil with a clean, sharp tip. Wipe the
tip often on a damp sponge to keep it clean for easier soldering.
•
Use only rosin-core solder intended for electronics use.
•
Use bright lighting. A magnifying lamp or bench-style magnifier may
be helpful.
•
Keep an eye open for similar components. Hmmm, is that a 1K ohm
or 10K ohm resistor?
•
Do your work in stages, taking breaks to check your work. Carefully
brush away wire cuttings so they don't lodge between components.
We have a two-fold "strategy" for the order of the following kit assembly
steps. First, we install parts in physical relationship to each other, so there's
minimal chance of inserting wires into wrong holes. Second, whenever
possible, we install in an order that fits our "Learn-As-You Build" Kit building
philosophy.
For each part, our word "Install" always means these steps:
1. Pick the correct part value to start with.
2. Insert it into the correct PC board location.
3. Orient it correctly, follow the PC board drawing and the written
directions for all parts - especially when there's a right way and a
wrong way to solder it in. (Diode bands, electrolytic capacitor
polarity, transistor shapes, dotted or notched ends of IC's, and so
forth.)
4. Solder all connections unless directed otherwise. Use enough
heat and solder for clean, shiny, completed connections.
Don't be afraid of any pen-style soldering iron having enough
heat to damage a component.
5. Trim or "nip" the excess component lead wire after soldering.
NOTE: Save some of the longer wire scraps nipped from resistors and
capacitors. These will be used to form wire jumpers (JMP1, etc.) to be
soldered in just like parts during these construction steps.
Now, let's get building!