DIY for absolute beginners

[Manning]

Prior to joining TRF I had never in my life even considered doing anything DIY, but now I'm all intrigued. (I also suspect I'm not the only T'rocker who is thinking these thoughts.)

However I'm a TOTAL beginner. As in TOTAL beginner. I've soldered guitar cables in my time, but nothing more.

My long-term goal is to build those uber-cool JLM and Sound Skulptor 500 kits, as well as put together my own mics. However - first things first.

When you get on the web, it's a morass of information and it's really hard to know where to start. I'm fairly self-sufficient, but for starters I could use a bit of guidance on what tools to buy and where to get them. There must be 1000 different soldering irons out there and I've got no idea which one is appropriate for what I want to do. Also I know I'll need other tools, but again - where to start?

I'd also be grateful if anyone knows of a good "idiot" level kit for someone like me. A basic DI perhaps, or something equally timid.

[Alistair]

The BYOC (build your own clone) guitar pedals are good, because they are very well documented, cheap and easy. They've got starter kits with tools as well (probably terrible quality though!)
http://www.buildyourownclone.com/

If you're not into guitar stuff, the Bo Hansen DI looks very straightforward (I haven't built one personally though, but they get good reviews), and there are quite a few schems for ReAmp boxes and the like that are simple and easy.

Once you've got your soldering together, there are a few more 'serious' (eg great sounding) projects that are quite a bit more difficult, but have great documentation and will help you along. You have to be prepared to lose quite a few hours learning what's going on, and making a lot of mistakes. I'd check out the GSSL, and the EZ1290- both found on the groupdiy.com site. The EZ1290 isn't a super cheap or easy project, but it has a build manual geared towards beginners which might be handy.
I'd also recommend finding someone who knows a little bit about this stuff to show you how to wire up the 240v side of things (or preferably wire it up for you the first couple of times)- most of the circuits in DIY stuff carry quite low voltages (5-24v), but 240v is a completely different scale of danger. I haven't checked out the DIY 500 series stuff as I don't have a rack, but if you do, the plus side of those modules is no need to wire up 240v.

As far as tools-
Temperature controlled iron would be a great start- I bought a no-name chinese job from ebay for about $70. The smaller the tip the better for PCB.

Solder

a rainbow of colours of hookup wire

A small pair of wire cutters (or good quality scissors)

Pliers/screwdrivers etc

A cheap little solder sucker for cleaning up mistakes- https://www.alltools.com.au/shop/index. ... er_Sucker_

Everynow and then Jaycar have super sales on PCB holders- two small clamps to hold the board with a magnifying glass. These can be pretty useful to hold what you are working on.

I'm sure I've forgotten some stuff, but this will get you on your way. Good luck!

[Manning]

Cool - those Bo Hansen DI's look like an ideal starting point. I found this link for the PCBs:
http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=10776.0

...and this link for the details:
http://www.hansenaudio.se/techpage.htm# ... rom%201975.

That "build your own clone" crowd don't ship from the US, and the local distributor seems to have limited stock at highly inflated prices. A shame. Still their "Beginner Kits" gave me a good indication of what to get for my own needs.

Your input is greatly appreciated(!)

[Futureman]

Yep, Pedals are the way to go as far as I'm concerned.

Only run from a 9v battery so you won't die.

You can make cool clones of pedals that would potentially cost you an arm and a leg if you hunted down a second hand one (Ampeg Scrambler etc)

And they sound great

[Manning]

Yeah, problem is I've never been much of one for pedals. I've got an Axe FX and a TC G-System, so I'm kinda sorted on that front.

However building mics and 500 series modules also keeps me away from the nasty current.

[rob]

here's an article I penned for AT some time ago. It may provide a few tips.

http://proharmonic.com/articles/AT70_On_The_Bench.pdf

[Manning]

Wow Rob - awesome. That is an excellent article, with lots of useful links. One of them led me to this:
http://www.voltelectronics.com.au/pocke ... r-kit.html

Many many thanks. I'm heading off to Altronics today to pick up a starter kit of tools.

[Julian Nichols]

-- (I also suspect I'm not the only T'rocker who is thinking these thoughts.)

You're dead right there.

[Manning]

Hey Julian

Well there's only one way to start - just jump in. I tried to go out and buy some tools yesterday, but it appears that Altronics have a very loose interpretation of what "5:30PM" means. I shall try again today.

Rob's article led me to this magazine which looks worthwhile for newbies:
http://www.siliconchip.com.au

I also found this link:
http://www.electronics2000.co.uk/beginners-guide/

Of course, the real value comes from sitting down and doing stuff. This article is all about soldering practice (where I will be starting):
http://www.mediacollege.com/misc/solder/

Keep me posted if you do decide to get started.

[rob]

the various projects developed by Silicon Chip and made available as kits through Jaycar and Altronics are very good and well documented.
They have recently released a new version of their high performance power amp. This unit spanks the pants off most "audiofile" grade power amps. There is a hi-fi styled preamp to match. Plus DAB radio tuner, stereo DtoA.
There is also lots ( indeed most ) outside of audio ... need a timer for your watering system, an electronic water tank gauge, a web server ??

[Manning]

Rob - re non-audio devices: Would something like this be out of the question?

http://www.news.com.au/technology/sci-t ... 6075539554

[rob]

nothing is out of the question when it comes to DIY

[jkhuri44]

i recently built my own DAW/computer...ffs, that was a pain in the arse. but very well worth it, and valuable experience...which i'll be doin lots more of!

[Julian Nichols]

Yep, well I'd better go for it and make something then.

I made a Theremin once donkeys years ago but I never bothered to build a box for it so the circuit board sat naked on my table, the antenna held upright with a toilet roll.

Worked well, toilet roll and all. But I think I've only used a soldering iron since when working on my car...

[mylesgm]

The best project for you Manning is one that will fit in your API rack and is easy and sounds great to boot. One of the classic API vp26 or VP25 is perfect. They sound great, have a fool proof manual aimed at beginners and it is a simple build. It takes me about 1-1.5hours to build one and they cost about 250. The only thing you shouldn't do is attempt to build the DOA, just buy one of their prebuilt ones or Joe Malones. The manual even discusses all the tools you'll need and simple build techniques.

capi.com

[Manning]

Thanks Myles

Is this the company you're talking about?
http://classicapi.com/catalog/index.php

They're out of stock on the full set of components for both the 25 (transformer) and the 26 (PCB) which is a shame. Still, $200 for a good quality pre-amp is hard to beat, and well worth the investment for education purposes.

Link for VP25.
http://classicapi.com/catalog/product_i ... cts_id=177

Not knowing what DOA meant, I hit Google with a vengeance. I have since learned four things.

1 - DOA means "Discrete Op Amp"
2 - They are necessary for all preamps coz they do... umm.. something quite critical. (I think they make the signal strong enough to be usable - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operational_amplifier).
3 - Assembly of DOA is seriously not for beginners.
4 - Classic API allegedly sell pre-assembled ones (according to http://www.classicapi.com/catalog/image ... sue-77.pdf), but I couldn't find it on their website.

I also figured out that 'Joe Malone" and JLM are one and the same.

The adventure continues.

-------------------------

Update - pre-assembled Op-amps can be bought here:

• http://scottliebers.com/op_amps/op_amps_2520.htm
• http://www.jlmaudio.com/shop/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=17

[mylesgm]

Yes ClassicAPI.com is who I meant. Thats what I get for not checking my urls!

If you look at this page (for the 312 style pre): http://classicapi.com/catalog/product_i ... cts_id=251

You'll see a list of components included at the bottom of the page and you'll also see additional choices which include assembled and unassembled DOA (which do stand for Discrete Operational Amplifier) and yes these are what actually do the majority of the amplification of signal in this preamp (the transformers do some as well). The addition of the cost of the DOA probably brings this kit to around the 270-300 mark depending on what DOA you get and there are a lot of options.

You can download the step by step manual to familiarise yourself with the build and you will also see how easy it is...

and as to point 2 of your list, DOA are not strictly speaking necessary for all preamps but some form of amplification is. This can be handled by a DOA or a set of discrete transistors (which is all that a DOA is but on a separate PCB) mounted directly on the main pcb or by an opamp or by a valve. All preamps (barring passive ones which are not actually preamps but attenuators) require active electronic circuitry and in the case of the 312 style preamp that is all found on the DOA.

[Manning]

Myles - again, many thanks.

Two fresh questions (not strictly for Myles, but for anyone feeling charitable):

1 - JLM kits. The two JLM 500 modules (the mic pre and the opto comp, eg: http://www.jlmaudio.com/shop/index.php? ... ductId=136) Would these be in the same league as the VP25/26 as far as assembly difficulty levels? They are certainly well-documented: http://www.jlmaudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=187

2 - Where on earth do you get a 51x rack kit from? I have successfully found a number of places that don't sell them. (eg: http://classicapi.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=87_89). I have also successfully found places that sell power supplies for them. (eg: http://diypartssupply.com/index.php?mai ... g16ul1tne3). I have found an alliance of people who support them (http://www.51xaudio.com/alliance/index.html). But I can't find anyone that actually sells a rack kit for one.

[mylesgm]

The 51x rack is a little bit more difficult to build (I have two). The rack itself is easy, the power supply a little more involved though I'm sure you could have someone build one for you. The idea is brilliant though and works out much cheaper than an API one anyway. The benefit of the 51x is the 5 rail voltage supply allowing the use of both standard 500 series kits as well as other DIY alternatives including Neve, pultec, 1176, SSL style etc.

This is the link you want. http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=33849.0

Now, I suggest you buy the rack kit and not the power supply kit (unless you are feeling adventurous) and then ask Rob, Barney, Jim or any number of other competent techs to build you a suitable powersupply. PM if you want a contact though I am not interested in building one right now I know someone who will.

As to the JLM stuff, I haven't built those particular units though I have built a dual 99v rackmount preamp and numerous other jlm designs. What I can say is that his projects are always excellent, his tech support (for even total beginners) is out of this world and he is a top bloke to boot. These are actually on my to do list as well and I would recommend them no problem.

[Ben M]

I've been wanting to do the 51x rack since they put it up on groupdiy.

Hmmm...note to self... must start early 2012.

There's a member called Chunger?? that posted a thread of his build. Great pics and details. It's worth a look through if your considering this build.

[Ben M]

here it is;
Newbie builds 51x rack.
http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=41617.0

[Manning]

That's a really cool thread Ben, thanks for finding it.

I'll go in with you on the order if you decide to go ahead.

[Ben M]

That's a really cool thread Ben, thanks for finding it.

I'll go in with you on the order if you decide to go ahead.

o-oh more group buys Sounds good.

I have a friend whose mentioned he'd be into buying a kit too.

Let's keep twalkin about it.

cheers

[Manning]

Let's keep twalkin about it.

Gladly - it will hopefully keep my mind of the RA book which is sitting a mere hour's drive away at your place.

[Alistair]

I'd be keen to be part of this discussion- it's been on my list for a little while.

[jkhuri44]

i went out and actually bought all the shit i need, after reading robs article.i've been on this damn forum for 7 + years now, always interested in DIYm, never dived in! ffs! finally getting started.

[Manning]

Jamil - sweet. I got sick over the weekend so I chiefly lay on the couch watching TV. I will however drag my ass to Altronics at first opportunity.

BTW - what did you buy and where from?

[jkhuri44]

just basic stuff to start electronics man, multimeter, soldering station, solder, side cutters, magnifying glass/vice combo, needle nose pliers, and some wire strippers too, will get all the other stuff as i need it

going to make up a bunch of cables to start with, then go onto some simple circuits before i waste any money on this nice audio DIY stuff.

[Manning]

You inspired me so I went to Altronics and got myself a multimeter, soldering station, a few tools and a couple of beginner kits (flashing LED type things, plus the audio tone generator that Rob talked about in his article.)

I've got a few old mic cables I intend to destroy and rebuild several times, and then I'll tackle my first idiot kit.

[Manning]

Don't know if this interests anyone, but I just learned about a hackerspace in Rockdale (Sydney) where you can get access to all sorts of cool communal toys such as CNC machines for making PCBs, a complete wood shop (for building racks and acoustic panels) and a laser cutter (which I do not understand).

The URL is http://www.robodino.org. Membership is $40 month (or $20/month if you're demonstrably poor).