How to socket a Diode.

[mknmuzic]

I'm pretty new to pedal building and have PCB and instructions for a Klon like overdrive. It mentions in the instructions to socket the diodes to experiment with different values. I've searched and cannot find any information on socketing diodes. Any information would be appreciated.

[Ben79]

You can buy lines of little sockets like these…



http://www.ebay.com/itm/Transistor-Sock ... 1703442872

Snap, saw, snip, chew them down to individual sockets and solder them in like any other part then they're ready to accept the legs of your diodes or whatever component type that you might want to swap.

If you're using vero then the pitch (the distance between the holes) should match the legs so for a transistor, depending on the layout you might be able to snap off three together rather than separately.

[tabbycat]

here's a couple of shots of a fender blender on my desktop. all transistors and diodes are socketed.





socketing allows you to experiment with different key components without having to keep soldering and unsoldering which can damage heat sensitive components. germanium transistors and diodes and electrolytic capacitors are particularly sensitive to heat. ok to solder quickly but not to swap around and around heating again and again.

i usually socket all transistors, diodes and ic chips (ic chips have special 8pin/16pin sockets) until i am happy that the circuit is working as it should be. and even if i'm happy with it today someone may suggest a transistor or diode substitute i might want to try in the future. so socketing keeps those options open indefinitely.
socketing also allows you to replace things that might wear out eventually without having to remove the circuit board from the pedal and desolder/resolder.

some people suggest that once you have all the desired socketed parts you want in place you can then solder them into the sockets to keep them secure (if they are not soldered in there is a possibility of them working loose and knocking around in transit over time, though they usually seem to stay fast). i'm not gigging much atm so i tend to leave them in sockets.

note that the transistors and diodes in the picture have their full legs as i haven't spent much time playing with this one yet to decide about bits. when i do settle on my options i will trim the legs down a bit so they sit just above the sockets with enough wire inside the socket to make a solid connection. makes it easier to get the circuit board in the box and leaves less exposed wired to create a possible short.

bitsbox do a strip of 32 (which you cut into whatever lengths you need) for 75p.
http://www.bitsbox.co.uk/?main_page=pro ... ts_id=1648

good luck with your build.

[mknmuzic]

Thanks for the help. Perfect explanation and the photos are great.