If you've got quite a densly populated veroboard, is it geneally easier to start with low profile components like wires and resostors, and finish with taller components like TO220 packages, or is it less fiddly to start at one side and work your way across? And any other clever "life hacks" to make the soldering up boards easie

When assembling a through-hole PCB, it's better to start with the low components since you typically need to work with it upside down and it's easier to keep the components from moving around that way. Work from low profile to higher profiles in order. For a protoboard, that can work, but I find that since you're also soldering connecting wires in place (as opposed to PCB where they are printed on), it's best to focus on completing "networks." So I start by placing all the components first then holding everything in position: bend resistor leads so they won't fall out, tack solder relays and large capacitors, etc. Then start at one end of the schematic, typically power or ground and solder everything that needs power or ground. Go to the first network or junction on the schematic and solder all those connections, and so on. Doing it this way makes it less likely that you'll miss a connection and have to go back and redo it. That tends to make the board a mess over time.

I like to start with the power and ground connections and ring them out with a continuity tester before installing any components. I then follow up with the rest of the wire “traces” and low profile components. Then I install the taller components in what ever order feels right at the time, double checking my wiring as I go. [image] [image]

Some ideas you might want to ponder. [image] Share tips you have come across General Electronics Project construction example and hints If you are new to making projects, below is a process you might want to try. Rather than using a prototyping PCB, we will build the following project on a copper clad PCB ‘mother board’. After you decide what you want to make, draw a schematic of your design showing ‘all’ the components in your circuit. There are many free PCB software packages for schematic design and PCB layout. If your design uses a SMPS (switch mode power supply) always add a ‘Fer… [image] And [image] Share tips you have come across General Electronics [3.jpg] [4.jpg] [5.jpg] [6.jpg] [7.jpg] [9.jpg] [8.jpg] [image] And [image] Share tips you have come across General Electronics A jig to aid in making core bit pads. The ‘Core Bit Drilling Jig’ makes drilling pads in copper clad PCB material quick and easy. Attached images show all the materials needed and the use of the jig. Your 'work' is sandwiched between a drilling template and sandpaper. The jig holds the ‘work piece’ secure while drilling the circuit pads. Silicon carbide sandpaper bites into the ‘work’ so it does not move. Light downward pressure on the drilling template is all that is needed to hold the ‘… [image] And [image] Share tips you have come across General Electronics Point to Point wiring PDF guide for breadboards. [2017-01-20_14-40-14.jpg] Attached is the PDF file with all the instruction images. . Poin to Point breadboard wiring.pdf (1.05 MB) befb3679d2db2a7a1cf8f089ee88fab52e84cf39.pdf 1070.18 KB [image] And You might want to review the whole thread. [image] Share tips you have come across General Electronics This post will contain the index for this thread. This is going to be a work in progress Links to topics will be added so you can select a topic covered (in alphabetical order). Jump Links 123 blocks 44 Button IR remote Advanced electronic videos Alligator clip DIY tool Alligator Clip 3rd Hand to Binder Clip Alligator clip soldering aid tool examples Anti static wrist strap Arduino As ISP Arduino links of interest Arduino protection for pins when bread boarding Battery connector r…

Thanks all. Am i the only peraon who uses veroboad/stripboard as opposed to perfboard? Stripboard always strikes me as neater, though possibly not as compact.

[image] anon57936601: Am i the only peraon who uses veroboad/stripboard as opposed to perfboard? No I preferred strip board. My tip is don't get hung up on using all the strips all the time.they are fine for power and ground. If you are not good at converting a circuit into a strip board design plan ahead by using a strip board layout program. Search for a free one on line. This will allow you to juggle to get the optimum design. Then soon you will be able to do it in your head.

I've used fritzing for it, but TBH I find paper & pencil easier. :rofl:

[image] anon57936601: I've used fritzing for it, No keep it that way it is truly appalling, I am talking about strip board layout programs like [image] Verodes free stripboard layout software - Hobby electronic soldering and... Verodes free stripboard layout software is a stripboard/veroboard design program that helps you when it comes to laying out circuits. Free to download. Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

For designing prototype / strip board layouts, I simply use a sheet of paper with a 5mm (about 2 times larger than life) dot matrix pattern and a pencil. I draw the top view then, when it looks OK, scan it and flip it in a graphics program so I have an under side view as well. I used to use tracing paper to achieve the same effect. Blank: [image]

I use a similar approach. I've duplicated all the proto board types I use in Affinity Designer as templates. I'm going to take a look at Verodes that @Grumpy_Mike suggested as I hadn't heard of it until today. Edit: Whoops, don't have a Windows box. [protoboard]

[image] EmilyJane: suggested as I hadn't heard of it until today. Nether do I, but search for a Mac Strip board layout software.

Veroboard assembly sequence

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LarryD September 21, 2022, 4:17pm 4

Some ideas you might want to ponder.

And

You might want to review the whole thread.

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Veroboard assembly sequence

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