Surf PI 1.2 from silverdog.uk - soldering question

[RembrandtQZulu]

Hi Everyone,

I have started putting together the Surf PI 1.2 kit from silverdog.uk and have a question about some touching points on the circuit board.

I have taken a photo and circled the spot in question, you can see it here: https://screenpresso.com/=d1iXc

They are the R4 and Q1 adjacent holes.

I have been following along with http://www.adrianandgenese.com/blogg...rom-a-diy-kit/
and i see that these holes are not connected on his board.

now granted, that site is fairly old now, and the board may have changed slightly, so i wanted to know if these holes are supposed to be connected or not.

I'm holding off soldering them for now as I want to be sure before I apply solder.

Cheers

-Jared

[Skippy]

"I see that these holes are not connected on his board"
They are connected on his board. And you can see on the circuit diagram ( 'schematic' ) that they are connected.

Good luck with your build, don't forget to post up some photos of it when you've got it finished.

[RembrandtQZulu]

Thanks For that Skippy,

I can see that now looking at the schematic.

I think I was too fixated on Adrian's board not looking as obviously connected as mine, and being a relative novice at this, just got a little concerned.

Really enjoying the build so far, already started with the coil, so eager to get this board complete to test it out.

[RembrandtQZulu]

So I have finished putting the circuit board together, here are some pictures:

Top:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/CgDsjvpagKkDSYTz8

Bottom:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/k24UFSMdSvvoSDYJ7

I tried to do some testing with a basic crappy coil I made, but I am having some issues I am still troubleshooting.

It does power on, and does beep when detecting metal waved over the coil, however I have noticed a few issues:

1. about half the time, when i switch it on and turn up the volume, I only get a very faint buzz from the piezo speaker, otherwise I get a much stronger noise, but it beeps repeatedly
2. I think I have stuffed the delay adjustment trimpot in P3, as i was trying to set it. when i turned it slowly in 1 direction, I did feel it 'click' a couple of times, but now it just rotates freely in either direction regardless of how my turns I make on it.
If I have to replace it, would this be a suitable part?: https://www.jaycar.com.au/100kohm-sp...impot/p/RT4656
3. I am not sure if I have the adjustment knobs wired up correctly.

I have yet to give the bottom a clean to get rid of the flux residue, but I plan to do that this weekend, to see if that helps.

I believe I have most of the setup correct as it "almost" works as I thought it would but I still need to troubleshoot it to see what is going on.

I will post some other photos of how I have the knobs wired up and the coil, as well as a recording of the noises it makes in case anyone is interested, and might be able to help me diagnose the issue, Otherwise I will update as i work it out.

Cheers
Jared

[kt315]

GUYS I AGAIN ASK YOU DO NOT BEND UP THE PINS OF PARTS ON BACK SIDE. YES, YOU SEE THAT ON MANUFACTURE MADE PCBS,
BUT THAT DONE ESPECCIALY BECAUSE SPECIFIC SOLDERING OF WAVE OF SOLDER PROCESS AND THE PARTS MUST BE FIXED.
YOU JUST SHOW US TTHAT YOU ABSOLUTELY BEGINNER IN ELECTRONICS.
IF YOU WILL DESOLDER SUCH COMPONENT YOU RIP OUT THE PCB METALLIZED HOLES.

[RembrandtQZulu]

Hi kt315,

Correct, total beginner, learning things as I go as I enjoy that.

I bend the pins on the rear side so that the part stays put while i solder.

Is there a better way of holding the component in place whilst the board is upside down for applying solder?

happy to hear any tips for improving my technique.

Thanks!

-Jared

[kt315]

certainly yes. it is your second hand.

Anatloy

[chevesne]

Just a tip with a sponge.