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PCB general tips

note

Take your time and be patient! If you run into a problem, try to keep a cool head and refer to the PCB troubleshooting section. If your problem remains unfixed and you can't figure it out, please email me to let me know! I'll do my best to help you, and your feedback will help improve the guide and other future Oskitone designs.

General tips​

  • Component colors
    This guide's components' brands and body colors (and even the PCB color itself) may look different from yours, and that's okay! What's important is that the part types and values are in the right spots.
  • Resistors are labeled with colors, capacitors with numbers
    Resistors' values are marked as colored bands on their body. Ceramic capacitors use a number system to denote their value.
  • Ceramic and electrolytic capacitors
    There are two kinds of “caps” used in this kit. Ceramic capacitors are small, circular, and have no polarity; they can be placed in either direction. Electrolytic caps are bigger, cylindrical, and have marked +/- polarities.
  • IC chip is static-sensitive
    The included IC chip can be damaged by static electricity. Leave it in its packaging until ready to install. Before handling, discharge any static electricity on your body by touching a large piece of metal. You can even use an anti-static mat and/or wrist strap for extra caution.
  • IC in sockets
    The IC chip comes with a corresponding socket with the same number of pins. You will solder the socket to the PCB, not the chip itself. This prevents overheating the IC with the soldering iron and makes it easier to switch a faulty one out.
  • Component polarities
    LEDs, batteries, and electrolytic capacitors have positive and negative leads. Where applicable, the PCB will be labeled where each lead goes or a component outline to denote orientation.
  • IC orientation
    The IC chip also has an orientation, marked by a notch at its top. Make sure these line up when soldering the sockets and again when inserting the chips. A chip can be permanently damaged if inserted incorrectly!
  • Get tricky/sticky with short-lead components
    Components with short leads can be hard to get to stay on the PCB, because you can't really bend their leads to get them to stay put. But there are tricks! Try using tape or "Blu-Tack" adhesive to hold them. Or clip the solder into your "holding hands", and try bringing the board to the solder (instead of the typical reverse of solder to board).