=== Preparing the board === == Identify parts == Look at the parts you got and make sure you can identify them * [[http://commonsound.com/other/parts1.jpg|Photo of some parts]] * [[http://commonsound.com/other/parts2.jpg|Photo of more parts]] //Note: we now use different switches and jacks than in the second photo// For resistors, pay attention to the color bands as follows: * 100: brown black brown gold * 330: orange orange brown gold * 1k: brown black red gold * 4k7: yellow purple red gold * 10k: brown black orange gold * 47k: yellow purple orange gold * 100k: brown black yellow gold * 220k: red red yellow gold * 470k: yellow purple yellow gold * 1M: brown black green gold Now look closely at the board diagram. Make sure you know what symbols represent resistors, capacitors, IC sockets, transistors, FETs, diodes, wires, etc.. == Drill the holes == * Use a dremel and a tiny bit (#60 or #66) to drill a hole on every circle on the soldering side. www.mouser.com sells the bits, part number 5876-409-66 * Make sure to drill 8 or 14 holes for each IC * Periodically check the opposite side to make sure you're still lined up (hold the drill vertical, not at a slant) * Depending on the IC sockets you have, you may need to ream out the holes for the IC sockets using a thumbtack or a larger drill bit. If your board is too thick (e.g. masonite), you may need to counter-sink the IC socket holes [[http://essaywritingservices.org/index.php|essay writing]] Next: [[filling the board]]