madbeanpedals::forum

Projects => General Questions => Topic started by: Timko on March 21, 2016, 01:23:04 PM

Title: Socketing transistors
Post by: Timko on March 21, 2016, 01:23:04 PM
I just finished the Supreaux Deux, and noticed something funny after boxing and testing it yesterday.  I get a really loud pop when I hit the footswitch hard, like something is moving then re-seating.  If I press the footswitch gently with my hand, no issue.  I also notice when I tap the top or shake it when the effect is engaged I get the same pops.  I assumed this was due to the fact that I socketed my resistors and didn't trim any of the leads.  I normally trim the leads, but had issues with a build I did a few months ago in relation to that.  The resistors weren't staying in their sockets and kept falling out.  So I was wondering if there's some specific technique people use for socketing these and bending them to they remain seated when you're using the pedal.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Socketing transistors
Post by: Jebus on March 21, 2016, 02:04:16 PM
Sometimes if I have components that don't fit the socket perfectly I solder one of the leads into the socket after I have decided which component to put in there. That way the component is still replaceable but it wont fall out.
Title: Re: Socketing transistors
Post by: jimilee on March 21, 2016, 03:21:47 PM

Quote from: Jebus on March 21, 2016, 02:04:16 PM
Sometimes if I have components that don't fit the socket perfectly I solder one of the leads into the socket after I have decided which component to put in there. That way the component is still replaceable but it wont fall out.
This


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Socketing transistors
Post by: midwayfair on March 21, 2016, 03:45:51 PM
Solder them to the socket. There is no substitute. Everything else will work itself loose eventually.

If you're using something as a prototype or development board, it's fine to leave them unsoldered. If something is going out the door to be used at a gig or to demonstrate the pedal, solder it. You can always build another.
Title: Re: Socketing transistors
Post by: Jebus on March 21, 2016, 03:48:36 PM
Do you guys do it for ICs also by the way? I've never had a IC drop out of the socket, but now I'm thinking its better to be safe than sorry. :D
Title: Re: Socketing transistors
Post by: Timko on March 21, 2016, 05:36:08 PM
Thanks guys :).  This makes a lot of sense.
Title: Re: Socketing transistors
Post by: jtaormina on March 21, 2016, 06:28:12 PM
Quote from: Jebus on March 21, 2016, 03:48:36 PM
Do you guys do it for ICs also by the way? I've never had a IC drop out of the socket, but now I'm thinking its better to be safe than sorry. :D

I typically socket transistors and ICs. I've never had one fall out. They are always very tight. I've had bad ones now and then and I don't have the right solder tip to remove things with more than a couple pins. If something is suspect it's easy to pop it out and test vs desolder. Desoldering 8 IC legs is like smashing it with a hammer to me. I'm just not set up to remove them without destroying them.
Title: Re: Socketing transistors
Post by: Timko on March 22, 2016, 04:39:54 PM
I put a bit of solder on each of the transistor sockets last night, and bam!  The problem is gone.  Thanks for the help!