I'm about to start building a Microdexed, having sourced the PCB and ordered in the additional components. My question is about the enclosure. I actually quite like the idea of an open enclosure using PCBs for the sandwich, but I'm concerned about the components getting damaged. Has anyone built one, or something using the same approach with any advice/feedback?
One of about 6 tracks I'm working on atm, determined to make an EP by the end of the summer - even if it sucks. I actually kinda love this one. Been trying to learn a bit more about using the EQ and building some custom FM instruments on this one - and then re-use the same instruments on each of the tracks to give it a consistent feel.
I had this DSO kit kicking around from when I first thought about getting a practice kit and before I knew the difference between through hole and SMD. Thought I'd give it a stab as it was the last one on my shelf.
I bought a reflow plate as I saw that's a way to make SMD easier...but I had the wrong PSU so out came my cheapskate iron! Tried doing the pins on the MCU directly but it got really messy and I couldn't braid the solder back off very successfully. I regrouped, and saw a video about drag soldering (and turned my iron up a couple of notches as I've switched to lead free to be on the safe side with my kids in the house). I redid the pins on it after I took the pic as it helped me spot the bridging.
To add to the fun, the instructions were in Chinese, and several components had no labels. In the end I found some pics of it assembled and just eyeballed the layout. Also managed to drop, and somehow find, one of the 2mm resistors. No mean feat under my kitchen table...
First time I switched it on, no dice 🎲 - sad face 😞
Then just as I was putting it away, I tried the cable from the kit - and it only flipping worked! 🤘
I think in future I'd probably want to get a digital microscope for this sort of work - I had to muddle through with a mix of magnifying glasses and my phone's macro lens as I'm getting on in years and my eyes aren't what they used to be.
Anyways - what a buzz! It's kind of empowering - the DIY synth world awaits me! I'm off to peruse something a bit more juicy :)
My very first go at soldering...and it only bloody works! I'm made up ☺️
It's very messy, but I learned a lot on this practice kit. (recommended for anyone looking to get into it - Gikfun DIY Retro Gaming kit - good instructions)
Lessons so far: Flux is your friend, and get some decent solder, (the stuff that came with my iron was not good).