European Siren Lab

 

n General Comments

 

       ð Carefully identify all pieces in the kit

       ð Remove pieces from the paper holder only as you are using them - otherwise there is a good

               probability of confusing pieces

       ð Note that the correct insertion points are labeled on the non copper side of the PC (printed circuit)

               board

       ð Straighten the wire and bend it close to the piece before insertion

       ð Insert and solder one piece at a time

       ð Refer to color codes. Note that the number of the part and the color code are just below the part.

       ð Also note

             Ø the parts are not in sequence on the card

             Ø yellow may be hard to see

       ð Leave solder in the plastic container and withdraw as needed.

              About 2 inches extending from the tube is enough.

       ð Use the wet sponge after each piece is soldered to remove excess

       ð Have team members check to ensure the correct piece is being used - before soldering it

       ð Accuracy is more important than speed

       ð It is easier to solder the leads if you first ensure that they are vertical

       ð Do not create solder bridges

 

n Polarity

 

       ð Capacitor polarity

              Ø Electrolytic capacitors have polarity.

                     The negative lead is marked on the side with a (typically) black band with (typically) a 0 in the

                     band

                     the negative lead is shorter

                     the negative lead typically has a slight bend at the end of the lead

                     note also the the holes on the board are marked + and 1

                     check again before soldering - get it right!

              Ø Disc capacitors do not have polarity

                     the holes on the board are not marked + and - as are the ones for the electrolytic capacitors

       ð LED polarity

             Ø The negative lead is shorter

             Ø The negative lead is on the side with the flat base

             Ø The flat side is also marked on the circuit board - the negative lead goes on the flat side

       ð Integrated Circuit (IC)

             Ø Contains many transistors and resistors on a silicon chip

             Ø Note alignment marked on the IC and the board

       ð Variable Resistor (pot)

             Ø For volume control

             Ø Note the two holes that are not used

       ð Transistors

             Ø Marked Q1 and Q2 on the board

             Ø Note the flat side on the transistor and on the PC board - for proper alignment

             Ø Middle pin goes in the back slot

 

n Steps

 

       ð Heat both the lead and the copper before using the solder.

       ð Then place a small amount of solder on the tip and let it run into the hole. See where it goes before

              applying more solder

       ð Immediately do the same thing on the other side away from the iron (leave the iron in place)

       ð Be sure you are soldering on the correct side

       ð Do not move the part until it has cooled

       ð Clip excess wire only after the part has cooled

 

n Safety

       ð Team members must wear goggles - this is a generally required safety procedure in the industry and

                one that I will enforce

       ð Observe all other safety procedures that I have covered many times, such as

             Ø No playing in the lab 

             Ø Do not touch or touch anyone else with the hot part of the iron

             Ø Do not place face close to the part being soldered

             Ø Etc

       ð Safety is far more important than speed