Is there a newbie DIYers guide? I have been wanting to build an amp, particularly the ACA, but have reservations.
Searching is giving me a wide spectrum of answers/opinions.
I saw 250C is the recommended temperature for soldering things on circuit boards on a random google search when I was looking for recommended solder. Is this temperature even possible on a soldering iron???
I am looking for information like:
1. Recommended solder (Cardas Quad Eutectic Roll Solder or WBT, etc...)
2. Recommended soldering iron (Temp range, price range, etc...)
3. Recommended first amp to build. Is the ACA a good "first" amp to build?
4. DIYers required tools. I have a lot of tools because I work on my car, but it's always the tool I don't have when I'm working on something, so a starting point would be great.
I have experience soldering and building things but I have more enthusiasm than electronics knowledge. If I've missed something in the forums, please help me locate them.
Searching is giving me a wide spectrum of answers/opinions.
I saw 250C is the recommended temperature for soldering things on circuit boards on a random google search when I was looking for recommended solder. Is this temperature even possible on a soldering iron???
I am looking for information like:
1. Recommended solder (Cardas Quad Eutectic Roll Solder or WBT, etc...)
2. Recommended soldering iron (Temp range, price range, etc...)
3. Recommended first amp to build. Is the ACA a good "first" amp to build?
4. DIYers required tools. I have a lot of tools because I work on my car, but it's always the tool I don't have when I'm working on something, so a starting point would be great.
I have experience soldering and building things but I have more enthusiasm than electronics knowledge. If I've missed something in the forums, please help me locate them.
Since the time I created I thread, I found this on this site AMA Build Guide with pictures. It looks like some of the other build thread's pictures are no longer working =(
The Fluke multimeters (shown on the guide) are $$$, any features or specs I should be looking for in a multimeter?
The Fluke multimeters (shown on the guide) are $$$, any features or specs I should be looking for in a multimeter?
Thanks for the feedback! About to get this on order, I'll worry about the rest later 😱
Not in the order you asked, but... with some previous answers included.
Start with this kit -
Amp Camp Amp – diyAudio Store
This build guide -
Amp Camp Amp V1.8 Change Information - diyAudio Guides
that supplements this one...
Amp Camp Amp V1.6 Build Guide - diyAudio Guides
The build guide tells you all the tools you need.
I'm not terribly picky about solder, but the Fire Metall is quite good. I like Kester and Cardas also. I do not personally like lead free solder, but that's just me.
Fire Metall Eutectic Solder – diyAudio Store
If it's in your budget a Hakko FX888D or similar has served many people well. Temp recommendations will vary, but 700F = 370C is pretty common. It'll vary based on the solder. Yes, they do get that hot. If you can swing it, get an iron that comes with a variety of tips. If not, the normal chisel tip that comes "standard" with most will be just fine.
Watch a few YouTube vids re: soldering. Pace has some very nice ones if I recall. Perhaps buy a few practice boards and some really cheap components to practice with before tackling the amp. This was the first one that popped up for "practice soldering kit" on Amazon... You can practice technique and see if it all works... I'd go cheaper, but heck...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075SWVZN...wg=kz7VA&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_asin_1_img
Enjoy!!!!!
Start with this kit -
Amp Camp Amp – diyAudio Store
This build guide -
Amp Camp Amp V1.8 Change Information - diyAudio Guides
that supplements this one...
Amp Camp Amp V1.6 Build Guide - diyAudio Guides
The build guide tells you all the tools you need.
I'm not terribly picky about solder, but the Fire Metall is quite good. I like Kester and Cardas also. I do not personally like lead free solder, but that's just me.
Fire Metall Eutectic Solder – diyAudio Store
If it's in your budget a Hakko FX888D or similar has served many people well. Temp recommendations will vary, but 700F = 370C is pretty common. It'll vary based on the solder. Yes, they do get that hot. If you can swing it, get an iron that comes with a variety of tips. If not, the normal chisel tip that comes "standard" with most will be just fine.
Watch a few YouTube vids re: soldering. Pace has some very nice ones if I recall. Perhaps buy a few practice boards and some really cheap components to practice with before tackling the amp. This was the first one that popped up for "practice soldering kit" on Amazon... You can practice technique and see if it all works... I'd go cheaper, but heck...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075SWVZN...wg=kz7VA&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_asin_1_img
Enjoy!!!!!
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Oh, and I'd never assume... but even if your vision is exceptional... some magnification works wonders for better soldering. Anything from some cheap readers on one end, to some "jewelers" glasses or a magnifying lamp of this type...
Decent lighting and magnification (for me) are critical to being able to solder effectively. After reading the forums for a couple of years, quite a number of issues come down to bad soldering. Make it as easy on yourself as practical.
https://www.amazon.com/Magnifying-H...cphy=1020037&hvtargid=pla-1209243608576&psc=1
Decent lighting and magnification (for me) are critical to being able to solder effectively. After reading the forums for a couple of years, quite a number of issues come down to bad soldering. Make it as easy on yourself as practical.
https://www.amazon.com/Magnifying-H...cphy=1020037&hvtargid=pla-1209243608576&psc=1
In addition to all IAIMH has said, also consider these which are my current budget favorite:
https://www.amazon.com/YOCTOSUN-Rec...-B07T4KPYN2/dp/B07T4KPYN2/ref=dp_ob_title_toy
Best,
Anand.
https://www.amazon.com/YOCTOSUN-Rec...-B07T4KPYN2/dp/B07T4KPYN2/ref=dp_ob_title_toy
Best,
Anand.
Oh, you would assume correctly. I have to take my glasses off these days to see something up close or I'll pass out. Besides that, at least my prescription hasn't changed in over 20 years.
I chose this one last night when I placed my order but I like your recommendation. I'm not sure how this all inclusive helping hand, magnifying glass is going to work when I need to get in there to solder.
Magnetic Helping Hand
Saved it on my Amazon list. Thank you
After ordering the ACA kit, I ordered some tools... one of which was a multimeter. Everything seems to have bad reviews, unless I buy an upper model Fluke for $300-500.
Has anyone used the AmazonCommercial 610 DMM? It's relatively new (release Dec 2019). After spending way too much time reading reviews, I went to the opposite end of the spectrum here, although I do love quality tools. AmazonCommercial DDM 610
Also, do you prefer the 0.02x or 0.03x size solder for this ACA kit? I think the last time I soldered anything on a circuit board is onto some playstation so it can read "backed up" discs =)
I've always used rosin core solder, does anyone buy extra rosin and dip your parts to solder?? I saw this on a video. I've never done that before.
After ordering the ACA kit, I ordered some tools... one of which was a multimeter. Everything seems to have bad reviews, unless I buy an upper model Fluke for $300-500.
Has anyone used the AmazonCommercial 610 DMM? It's relatively new (release Dec 2019). After spending way too much time reading reviews, I went to the opposite end of the spectrum here, although I do love quality tools. AmazonCommercial DDM 610
Also, do you prefer the 0.02x or 0.03x size solder for this ACA kit? I think the last time I soldered anything on a circuit board is onto some playstation so it can read "backed up" discs =)
I've always used rosin core solder, does anyone buy extra rosin and dip your parts to solder?? I saw this on a video. I've never done that before.
There are a ton of ways to go for DMMs.
On the upper end (or at least what I'd consider upper end) and possibly unnecessary is something like a Fluke. I have the 235 version of this one, and it's my one "good" DMM.
https://www.amazon.com/EEVblog-BM78...0529197&s=hi&sprefix=eevblog,tools,229&sr=1-2
I also have 5 or 6 of these, and they've all worked wonderfully for what I need. If budget is any consideration, get one in this price range. The probes stink, but....
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0194VGLFS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I generally prefer 0.03x for this type of work, but either would work wonderfully. As an example, I like the 0.02x (like the Fire Metall in the store) for multileg parts and tighter work. I like 0.03x for all my general through-hole stuff. It's a matter of preference. The 0.02x (IMO) is more versatile. Thicker is harder to work with in tight spots, but thinner, you just feed a bit faster. If I were to only get one roll for the ACA and future projects, it'd be 0.02x.
I keep some extra flux around for desoldering and/or reflowing joints. If I'm understanding what you're describing re: dipping parts, that's not necessary. I'd just get a quality solder and go to town. It'll have enough flux/rosin to clean the part and flow wonderfully. Again... just IMO. However, I was starting soldering again just a bit over a year ago, and it was shocking how much difference decent solder and a good iron made. In and Out in <3-4 secs and perfect joints even for a novice.
On the upper end (or at least what I'd consider upper end) and possibly unnecessary is something like a Fluke. I have the 235 version of this one, and it's my one "good" DMM.
https://www.amazon.com/EEVblog-BM78...0529197&s=hi&sprefix=eevblog,tools,229&sr=1-2
I also have 5 or 6 of these, and they've all worked wonderfully for what I need. If budget is any consideration, get one in this price range. The probes stink, but....
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0194VGLFS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I generally prefer 0.03x for this type of work, but either would work wonderfully. As an example, I like the 0.02x (like the Fire Metall in the store) for multileg parts and tighter work. I like 0.03x for all my general through-hole stuff. It's a matter of preference. The 0.02x (IMO) is more versatile. Thicker is harder to work with in tight spots, but thinner, you just feed a bit faster. If I were to only get one roll for the ACA and future projects, it'd be 0.02x.
I keep some extra flux around for desoldering and/or reflowing joints. If I'm understanding what you're describing re: dipping parts, that's not necessary. I'd just get a quality solder and go to town. It'll have enough flux/rosin to clean the part and flow wonderfully. Again... just IMO. However, I was starting soldering again just a bit over a year ago, and it was shocking how much difference decent solder and a good iron made. In and Out in <3-4 secs and perfect joints even for a novice.
