[mcullinan]

Now I just need to know what the hell I am doing and what kind of tools do I need? Do I need a special helmet so I dont injure myself during this activity...

Actually Id like to start this as it sounds like fun. Can anyone point me in the right direction for tools, equipment, online info. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Mike

[Gordy]

There are several old threads here that have listed soldering tutorial sites, here's just one of them... http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=35359.0   Many more to be found by googling. Diyaudio and diyhifi are good sites for info as well.

Try buying a '70's "parts" receiver at a garage sale or E-bay and practice disassembling and assembling it a few times, then try your hand at building a gain clone amp or one of the inexpensive dac kits available on E-bay.  I mention a 70's amp as they still had circuits that were easily worked on! 

Remember that, in most cases, modding a unit will vastly reduce or negate any resale value... so only modify pieces you're planning on keeping     

Enjoy!

[mcullinan]

Cool Thnx for the info..
M

[randytsuch]

Hi
If you are serious, definetly invest in a good, temperature controlled soldering iron.  You should also get a few tips for it, depending on the kind of work you are doing.  A big, heavy tip is good sometime for PC's and IC's, while a smaller tip is better for circuit board work.  If you graduate to surface mount, you need a fine tip.

I would also get a decent meter, and some "good" solder.  Of course, there are many opinions on what good solder is.  I use ersin multi core silver solder.

My first project was to mod a tube preamp I had.  Still have it somewhere, moved on a long time ago, but it was a good learning experience, and fairly easy to work on.

Building a small project is probably a good way to get your feet wet, as suggested.

Good luck
Randy

[Audiovista]

Mike,

Safety first: Get yourself safety goggles and an isolation transformer. 

Boris

[JoshK]

Mike,

Safety first: Get yourself safety goggles and an isolation transformer. 

Boris

Good suggestions.  I just got an variac after having been DIY'ing for a few years now.    I can breathe a little easier now on first turn on.  I recommend a variac version (of an isolation tx) though so you can bring the voltage up slowly.   The goggles are a good idea in case you wired in a 'lytic cap backwards or something like that. 

[zacster]

Also get a magnifying glass, stand mounted with alligator clips, and  a standalone one.

Check your work, use the glass, check it again.  And check it a third time. 

[dave_c]

You should get a Trends 10.1 to practice on.  Cheap, easy to work on and sounds great!

[TomS]

Mike,

Safety first: Get yourself safety goggles and an isolation transformer. 

Boris

...The goggles are a good idea in case you wired in a 'lytic cap backwards or something like that. 

Yes, it is startling when it does (and WILL) happen.  There's also nothing that smells quite like it

[satfrat]

As an amateur modder, the 2 tools I use the most are Radio Shack tools.

The Nibbler, good for metal trimming of components.


And a good all purpose Crimper.


Good stuff for the simple stuff,,, which is pretty much my limit. Now if i could get schooled in the use of a soldering tool by an experienced modder,,,,,, well that's the kinda stuff that dreams are made of.  


Cheers,
robin

[Rasta]

Can I recommend a good set of ears as your first and best tool?