Perhaps this is a silly question, but does anyone have any tips for inserting ICs into the cheaper kind of socket?
I don't know if it's because Tayda sell cheap sockets or what, but every IC I've had to put in, I've had to squeeze the legs closer together, because otherwise the IC just sits on top with the legs going either side, rather than in. And if I get the leg spacing wrong, the legs go squish.
IC leads aren't parallel, you need to straighten them to get them to fit in any socket. They actually make tools that will do this (google "ic lead straightener tool" to see). I just try and hold it between my thumb and pointer and apply even pressure to straighten them out.
Bend 'em. They don't go into any socket otherwise. I carefully bend each row of IC legs to point straight down using a pair of needle nose pliers.
Here's a cheap one from Jameco if you actually wanted to buy a tool.
IC Straightener (http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?freeText=99363&langId=-1&storeId=10001&productId=99363&search_type=jamecoall&catalogId=10001&ddkey=http:StoreCatalogDrillDownView)
Ian
I usually put in one row a very small bit so that the IC is at an angle, then push all the pins of the other side at the same time with my tweezers until they pop in. Then push down the entire IC
Paul
I hold the chip on its side so one set of legs is flat on a table top. I then carefully press down until the legs are more at a right angle to the chip body. I then flip it over and do the same to the other side. This works especially well for the 14 and 16 pin chips.
Quote from: oldhousescott on May 24, 2012, 05:20:03 AM
I hold the chip on its side so one set of legs is flat on a table top. I then carefully press down until the legs are more at a right angle to the chip body. I then flip it over and do the same to the other side. This works especially well for the 14 and 16 pin chips.
This is what I do as well. For me it is easier to control than other methods.
Quote from: pickdropper on May 24, 2012, 05:33:26 AM
Quote from: oldhousescott on May 24, 2012, 05:20:03 AM
I hold the chip on its side so one set of legs is flat on a table top. I then carefully press down until the legs are more at a right angle to the chip body. I then flip it over and do the same to the other side. This works especially well for the 14 and 16 pin chips.
This is what I do as well. For me it is easier to control than other methods.
+2 just be careful not to roll the IC over or your legs go squish!
i grab em by the ends and gently press the legs against a hard flat surface to ben the legs on each side at the same time so the stay in line.
Invest in the IC leg straightener, it makes life so much easier. I buy the $0.02 Tayda sockets by the 100s, and the IC leg straightener gets them in every time.
Quote from: GermanCdn on November 08, 2012, 03:30:36 PM
Invest in the IC leg straightener, it makes life so much easier. I buy the $0.02 Tayda sockets by the 100s, and the IC leg straightener gets them in every time.
Never seen one, have a link?
I use my teeth ;D
Quote from: TNblueshawk on November 09, 2012, 03:50:20 AM
Never seen one, have a link?
Quote from: irmcdermott on May 23, 2012, 12:54:17 PM
Here's a cheap one from Jameco if you actually wanted to buy a tool.
IC Straightener (http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?freeText=99363&langId=-1&storeId=10001&productId=99363&search_type=jamecoall&catalogId=10001&ddkey=http:StoreCatalogDrillDownView)
Ian
Quote from: gtr2 on November 09, 2012, 04:04:23 AM
I use my teeth ;D
Hardcore oldskool :o
I have never seen one of those IC thingy's Ian, thanks. I usually don't have an issue but I have flattened a few and overall my legs are little crooked at times. I may invest in that tool. I want to keep my teeth ;)
whenever I try to flatten out the legs on my desk i always lose my grip and fubar the legs. so i usually just squeeze both sides together a little with a finger and opposable thumb. whatever works.
I just beat the crap out of it till it fits, but with care :-*
I'm a big believer in the IC straightener now. Love mine. It's cheap and makes like sooooo much easier.
Quote from: irmcdermott on May 23, 2012, 12:54:17 PM
Here's a cheap one from Jameco if you actually wanted to buy a tool.
IC Straightener (http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?freeText=99363&langId=-1&storeId=10001&productId=99363&search_type=jamecoall&catalogId=10001&ddkey=http:StoreCatalogDrillDownView)
Ian
I had no idea they made a tool for that. I just place one side in the socket and then use a retractable blade to push the remainder pins until they fall into place.
I combine answers 1 and 2,not on purpose,just kind of winds up that way. ;D
Going back a few years, when I got these ic's. The packaging was great all you had to do was place it over the socket and push from the top...job done.
My it was good in those days ;D
This is the way to do it.
Quote from: oldhousescott on May 24, 2012, 05:20:03 AM
I hold the chip on its side so one set of legs is flat on a table top. I then carefully press down until the legs are more at a right angle to the chip body. I then flip it over and do the same to the other side. This works especially well for the 14 and 16 pin chips.
When I'm not doing this...
Quote from: oldhousescott on May 24, 2012, 05:20:03 AM
I hold the chip on its side so one set of legs is flat on a table top. I then carefully press down until the legs are more at a right angle to the chip body. I then flip it over and do the same to the other side. This works especially well for the 14 and 16 pin chips.
I do this...
Quote from: DutchMF on May 23, 2012, 01:27:36 PM
I usually put in one row a very small bit so that the IC is at an angle, then push all the pins of the other side at the same time with my tweezers until they pop in. Then push down the entire IC
Paul
but with my fingernails/tips...probably not 'best practice' ;D
Quote from: fendman on April 01, 2013, 09:08:41 AM
Going back a few years, when I got these ic's. The packaging was great all you had to do was place it over the socket and push from the top...job done.
My it was good in those days ;D
A few month ago I received a set of ICs from the supplier in these plastic covers and I thought: What a waste of space and so "ungreen". Now I know at least what it is supposed to do.
As I come from the digital side and started repairing Commodore 64 a few decades ago :-) I usually bend them in the socket. So you just put one side of pins against the small socket wall and start applying pressure with your thumb from the other side until the pins have given just so much way that you can easily press it into the socket on both sides. Sometimes this requires to be done from both sides first depending on how sturdy this thing is. It requires some training though.
I am a big fan of the tabletop method as well. I can't see needing a tool to do this when it takes literally 5 seconds on any flat surface. And I have never had a problem with the Tayda "cheap-o" DIP sockets for 8, 10, 16, 20, 28 pins for any pedal/MCU projects. In a way I prefer them over the "SIP" style round sockets.
Quote from: rullywowr on September 25, 2013, 09:02:02 AM
I am a big fan of the tabletop method as well. I can't see needing a tool to do this when it takes literally 5 seconds on any flat surface. And I have never had a problem with the Tayda "cheap-o" DIP sockets for 8, 10, 16, 20, 28 pins for any pedal/MCU projects. In a way I prefer them over the "SIP" style round sockets.
I like those cheap Tayda sockets too. Really easy to insert an IC into them and I've never had any problems with them either.
I use the cheap sockets if there is a reasonable likelihood that I'll remove the IC after it's in. If I plan on it being mostly permanent, I prefer the machined type. Also, I think the cheap sockets work better for anything that isn't plated holes.
Bit of an older thread but I just finished up a pedal and thought I'd share my method.
Here's the IC before and after straighting:
(http://i.imgur.com/NUndQiPs.jpg) (http://imgur.com/NUndQiP)(http://i.imgur.com/oVC18Tls.jpg) (http://imgur.com/oVC18Tl)
I use a cheap pair of calipers to straighten the legs. They let me put even pressure on all the legs at once and I've yet to completely bork an IC as I do from time to time with the tabletop method.
Just pop the IC between the jaws and squeeze til the legs stay at ~0.3" on their own.
(http://i.imgur.com/z9s7LAQs.jpg) (http://imgur.com/z9s7LAQ)(http://i.imgur.com/c9mWpi6s.jpg) (http://imgur.com/c9mWpi6)
Slides right in no problem!
(http://i.imgur.com/e8hbiXas.jpg) (http://imgur.com/e8hbiXa)
I got one of these:
On the right side obviously.
It was only about $5 I think.
If you hurry, you might still be able to get one.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/CodeMonk/Workshop/Cap_Tester_IC_Inserter_001.gif) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/CodeMonk/media/Workshop/Cap_Tester_IC_Inserter_001.gif.html)
Amazon has a selection:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=IC+insertion+tool
Off topic, but on the left is a cap tester I built from a kit:
http://www.amazon.com/Jyetech-Capacitance-Meter-DIY-KIT/dp/B00C5TRI3Q
Quote from: CodeMonk on April 04, 2015, 03:37:18 AM
I got one of these:
On the right side obviously.
It was only about $5 I think.
If you hurry, you might still be able to get one.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/CodeMonk/Workshop/Cap_Tester_IC_Inserter_001.gif) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/CodeMonk/media/Workshop/Cap_Tester_IC_Inserter_001.gif.html)
Amazon has a selection:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=IC+insertion+tool
Off topic, but on the left is a cap tester I built from a kit:
http://www.amazon.com/Jyetech-Capacitance-Meter-DIY-KIT/dp/B00C5TRI3Q
Does the IC solder pump works well?
I also have built one of those capacitance meter a while ago, works quite well, much usefull with tropical caps...
This is an old thread but I have gotten an IC leg straightener and love it. Use it all the time. (http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/04/04/831902021fb927a823ea7fca5d85f177.jpg)
Quote from: rullywowr on April 04, 2015, 06:25:44 AM
This is an old thread but I have gotten an IC leg straightener and love it. Use it all the time. (http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/04/04/831902021fb927a823ea7fca5d85f177.jpg)
Where did you grabbed that Ben?
I usually just insert the ICs with an angle in the sockets, when i use a socket that is, but the same thing have to be done when mounting to the pcb directly anyway...
That one seems to work well, you insert the IC in it and then press on both side?
Rej I searched quite some time ago for those, Futurelec i believe had them, wasn't going order there and then maybe Jameco, i may be wrong, but their shipping was stupid expensive to Canada so still looking.
dave
I got mine at Jameco. Part #99363 (http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?search_type=jamecoall&catalogId=10001&freeText=99363&langId=-1&productId=99363&storeId=10001&ddkey=http:StoreCatalogDrillDownView)
Quote from: GrindCustoms on April 04, 2015, 06:35:43 AM
Quote from: rullywowr on April 04, 2015, 06:25:44 AM
This is an old thread but I have gotten an IC leg straightener and love it. Use it all the time. (http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/04/04/831902021fb927a823ea7fca5d85f177.jpg)
Where did you grabbed that Ben?
I usually just insert the ICs with an angle in the sockets, when i use a socket that is, but the same thing have to be done when mounting to the pcb directly anyway...
That one seems to work well, you insert the IC in it and then press on both side?
I got it off eBay I believe. Thought it wasn't useful till I had to program about 500 ATtiny85. Made me a believer :). You can chuck about 5 or 6 (8pin dips) at a time in there and squeeze. I keep it in easy reach on my bench. Well worth it.
Quote from: GrindCustoms on April 04, 2015, 06:01:33 AM
Quote from: CodeMonk on April 04, 2015, 03:37:18 AM
I got one of these:
On the right side obviously.
It was only about $5 I think.
If you hurry, you might still be able to get one.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/CodeMonk/Workshop/Cap_Tester_IC_Inserter_001.gif) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/CodeMonk/media/Workshop/Cap_Tester_IC_Inserter_001.gif.html)
Amazon has a selection:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=IC+insertion+tool
Off topic, but on the left is a cap tester I built from a kit:
http://www.amazon.com/Jyetech-Capacitance-Meter-DIY-KIT/dp/B00C5TRI3Q
Does the IC solder pump works well?
I also have built one of those capacitance meter a while ago, works quite well, much usefull with tropical caps...
Do you mean this thing? :
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/CodeMonk/Workshop/Solder_Sucker_001.gif) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/CodeMonk/media/Workshop/Solder_Sucker_001.gif.html)
Yeah, that works quite well.
Word of caution though...
Leave it unplugged.
When you need to use it...
Plug it in.
Let it heat up.
Use it,
Unplug it.
If you leave it plugged in for hours at a time, the tip deteriorates rather quickly.
Not a bad tool for only about $10.
IMO, works much better than those plunger types.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Off topic, but here is my DIY enclosure for the cap tester.
Just applied some heat with a heat gun to a piece of lexan (Plexiglass sucks). Kinda overdid it a bit with the heat gun though.
I also really need to get around to raising that socket up a little higher.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/CodeMonk/Workshop/Tools/Cap_Tester_Front_001_zpseefrdbtr.gif) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/CodeMonk/media/Workshop/Tools/Cap_Tester_Front_001_zpseefrdbtr.gif.html)
I made the enclosure large enough so that I can fit a 9 volt battery underneath it too.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/CodeMonk/Workshop/Tools/Cap_Tester_Back_001_zpswf7zh8jj.gif) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/CodeMonk/media/Workshop/Tools/Cap_Tester_Back_001_zpswf7zh8jj.gif.html)
Quote from: CodeMonk on April 05, 2015, 02:53:51 PM
Quote from: GrindCustoms on April 04, 2015, 06:01:33 AM
Quote from: CodeMonk on April 04, 2015, 03:37:18 AM
I got one of these:
On the right side obviously.
It was only about $5 I think.
If you hurry, you might still be able to get one.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/CodeMonk/Workshop/Cap_Tester_IC_Inserter_001.gif) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/CodeMonk/media/Workshop/Cap_Tester_IC_Inserter_001.gif.html)
Amazon has a selection:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=IC+insertion+tool
Off topic, but on the left is a cap tester I built from a kit:
http://www.amazon.com/Jyetech-Capacitance-Meter-DIY-KIT/dp/B00C5TRI3Q
Does the IC solder pump works well?
I also have built one of those capacitance meter a while ago, works quite well, much usefull with tropical caps...
Do you mean this thing? :
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/CodeMonk/Workshop/Solder_Sucker_001.gif) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/CodeMonk/media/Workshop/Solder_Sucker_001.gif.html)
Yeah, that works quite well.
Word of caution though...
Leave it unplugged.
When you need to use it...
Plug it in.
Let it heat up.
Use it,
Unplug it.
If you leave it plugged in for hours at a time, the tip deteriorates rather quickly.
Not a bad tool for only about $10.
IMO, works much better than those plunger types.
I bought several tips from RadioShack locally before they died.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Last I checked (Tuesday), we still had one Radioshack store open.
I gotta go into town on Friday.
I guess I should check, if they are still there, for some extra tips for that then.
Edit:
Love your sig :)
Layout design is probably my favorite part of pedal building.
Quote from: CodeMonk on April 05, 2015, 04:08:38 PM
Last I checked (Tuesday), we still had one Radioshack store open.
I gotta go into town on Friday.
I guess I should check, if they are still there, for some extra tips for that then.
Edit:
Love your sig :)
Layout design is probably my favorite part of pedal building.
Mine too.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I know this thread is super old, but I'm a newb and didn't want to start a thread for something if another thread was even close.
I feel kind of stupid for even asking this, but do you need the IC socket or is it possible to just solder the IC chip right on the board. I only ask because I forgot to order the sockets from Tayda with my last order. I'm going to make more orders, but at this point it just means I have to wait to finish the pedals that I'm hoping to do.
Thanks, and please forgive my newbness.
Quote from: pryonisys on April 05, 2016, 05:30:30 AM
I know this thread is super old, but I'm a newb and didn't want to start a thread for something if another thread was even close.
I feel kind of stupid for even asking this, but do you need the IC socket or is it possible to just solder the IC chip right on the board.
You don't need the socket. :) Of course debugging and such is easier if you can remove the IC without soldering, but its not necessary.
Quote from: Jebus on April 05, 2016, 05:44:16 AM
Quote from: pryonisys on April 05, 2016, 05:30:30 AM
I know this thread is super old, but I'm a newb and didn't want to start a thread for something if another thread was even close.
I feel kind of stupid for even asking this, but do you need the IC socket or is it possible to just solder the IC chip right on the board.
You don't need the socket. :) Of course debugging and such is easier if you can remove the IC without soldering, but its not necessary.
Thank you very much! I may just order some sockets to be on the safe side because I don't want a mess when it comes to debugging in the future. I appreciate the speedy response.
My 2pf's is that I would not solder the IC in there without the socket. No matter how small the chance, if that IC is bad you will regret it beyond belief.
Quote from: TNblueshawk on April 05, 2016, 01:21:07 PM
My 2pf's is that I would not solder the IC in there without the socket. No matter how small the chance, if that IC is bad you will regret it beyond belief.
This ^^^
Un- soldering an IC is NO fun,
unless you don't care about the IC and clip all the legs off,
and then un-solder each tiny piece of leg left in the hole.
Still not much fun.
Sooooo much easier to use a socket. 8)
Quote from: galaxiex on April 05, 2016, 01:50:46 PM
Quote from: TNblueshawk on April 05, 2016, 01:21:07 PM
My 2pf's is that I would not solder the IC in there without the socket. No matter how small the chance, if that IC is bad you will regret it beyond belief.
This ^^^
Un- soldering an IC is NO fun,
unless you don't care about the IC and clip all the legs off,
and then un-solder each tiny piece of leg left in the hole.
Still not much fun.
Sooooo much easier to use a socket. 8)
Got it. Sockets aren't expensive and if it will save a headache in the future it's probably a good move. Thanks for the advice.
One more thought on an old thread. I sit one side in and use a credit card to push the opposite side legs in, all at the same time, and then push down to insert them.
Yeah!