Tips for logical order in populating your PCBoard.

[DIMstompboxes]

"the girls" on the production line used those flap-over adjustable frames, sliding bars hold the boards, shove the parts in, (no funny bending) clamp the lid with its foam down on the component side, flip the frame, and solder. all the while talking to their sister.

I left out the talking bit and the flip frame, but have always copied the basic method.

Thanks mate, can you link me to that process or youtube to see how that method works, again thanks 

[rutabaga bob]

I've been interested in how you guys approach the wire aspect...do you set the effect sort-of together and measure first or just take your best guess...wire through the hole or use 'flea clip' terminals, etc?

[StephenGiles]

The trouble with soldering components first simply because they are lowest does away with any option to build and test each section of a circuit as you go, particularly when building direct to veroboard - perhaps I am the only one doing this without a "layout"!

I always use the sponge method of holding different height components down (usually no more than 6 at a time) when turning veroboard over for soldering.

[duck_arse]

@ DIMs - the girls were working circa 1979. no links back then. but googoo shows the exact very thing, perhaps by a diff manufacturer. I imagine coopers or weller would have one same.

http://www.jprelec.co.uk/store.asp/c=707/PCB-Assembly-Jigs-Cliff
http://www.manixmfg.com/assembly.htm
http://www.instructables.com/id/PCB-Holder-prototype/

that's three of the first four returns.

unless you wanted videos of the girls talking?

[StephenGiles]

I've been interested in how you guys approach the wire aspect...do you set the effect sort-of together and measure first or just take your best guess...wire through the hole or use 'flea clip' terminals, etc?

Only ever by ear - ah, misread it, rarely box anything.

[JRB]

For the offboard wiring I mount everything in the box except for the PCB.
Then place all the wires between the components once all the non pcb wiring is done I put in the pcb.

When I don't make a stupid mistake this is the fastest way to do it for me, also allows me to get most of the wires as short as possible.

[PRR]

> option to build and test each section of a circuit as you go

+1

That's the way _I_ build.

[PRR]

> those flap-over adjustable frames, sliding bars hold the boards, shove the parts in, (no funny bending) clamp the lid with its foam down

http://www.productiondevices.com/PC%20Board%20Holder.htm
http://www.probemaster.com/product_info.php?cPath=7&products_id=279

The price pays for itself in high production work but is a bit steep for DIY. Also bigger than many pedals need. Could maybe fake a smaller job with Lincoln Legos or other erector-set type toys.

PanaVise is an old-old standard in assembly shops; however they don't seem to have picked-up the foam-press idea. (And PanaVise gets high dollar.)
http://www.panavise.com/index.html?pageID=1&id1=1&id2=8&startat=1&--woSECTIONSdatarq=8&--SECTIONSword=ww

[DIMstompboxes]

unless you wanted videos of the girls talking?

Hhaahhhaaa   They say girls are more steady in hand, fast and more productive in soldering than boys....That's why they are mostly hired..

I never thought and yet never seen those PCB assembly jig before but it seem practical, effective and efficient if you're into production set up....  Cool link mate...might also want to fabricate one in the future, as of now I'm tied up with crocodile or alligator clip soldering free hand.
This is what I got which I bought from them...
http://epektos.com/product/dd56c934-2458-468d-a2fa-cc9d5b9491f0.aspx

So far..these are the practical tips came from you forumites
1. According to Height (lowest to highest component)
2. Option to Build and Test as you go on
3. ? (anymore idea)

Cheers,