[JimK]

And I'm pretty excited!

Question: Any hints, tips, or things to avoid before I get started? Also, any known "upgrades" I should know about before I place an order for the parts? I'd hate to install something, only to learn I should have installed something else after the fact.

I also have a Weller WESD51 coming....but no solder yet.

Jim

[analog97]

Jim,

I don't know your experience.  If a first-timer, I suggest practicing a few solder joints first.  If you are OK with soldering, just make sure you get the correct resistors placed before soldering.  Follow the instructions to a "T" and you will be golden.  I built mine stock and it is dead quiet.  Others on this board have used more exotic, hence expensive parts, especially the Black gate capacitors.  Those specialty options also require a few mods, so, again depending on your experience, make a solid judgement before "the plunge".  The PICCOLO is an excellent product.  Good luck.

[JimK]

Thanks for the response!

And I may have misstated, or misrepresented, my intentions earlier. I guess what I'm really interested in is advice on what not do, and to learn from other people's mistakes so that I don't make the same. Sure, I may get some advice from "tubesforever" regarding substituting this or that resistor or cap, but since this will be my first project I'm not looking at reinventing the wheel! 

"Slow and easy", that's going to be my motto.

And my plan on soldering is to grab an old PC board out of something/anything and "play" with it a little before ever touching the Piccolo board.

Jim

[JimK]

Kit just arrived, and my first thought was, "Oh my God! All the small printing..."

But seriously, I didn't expect the "tags" on the PC board- I thought they were labeled in the instructions "For Illustrative Purpose Only", and that's going to make things much easier for me.

Can't wait to get started!

Jim

[MusicMtnMonkey]

Good Luck!

It's good fun.  Been tied up for a year (and missing tinkering), but getting close to where I could get back to work on my Bugle, Power Supply, and CASTANET.

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