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WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Here’s everything you will need to build the VPM-1 kit.
TOOLS
1.
#2 Philips screw driver
2.
Flat head screw driver
3.
Needle nose pliers
4.
1/2” (12mm) and 9/16” (15mm) sockets and driver (for audio jack nuts and DC jack nuts)
5.
Soldering iron* (not a soldering gun, or a “cold heat” iron), good quality, 15-50 watt, with a good small-
sized tip, conical or chisel shape. One with a temperature control and a stand* is best.
6.
Wet sponge* or dry solder-cleaning pad
7.
Wire strippers* capable of stripping 22awg wire.
8.
Flush cutters* or small diagonal cutters
9.
X-Acto
®
knife or hobby knife
10.
Ruler
11.
Electronics tweezers*, not entirely necessary, but very helpful for holding small parts.
12.
Clamp or vise to hold the printed circuit board while soldering (optional, but handy)
13.
Solder sucker* or solder braid (optional, but very handy if you have to remove or repair any components!)
14.
Digital multimeter*, not necessary for assembly, but may be handy for troubleshooting.
SUPPLIES
1.
Solder*, 60/40 rosin core, the smaller diameter the better (we prefer .032” diameter). Make sure it’s good
quality; we prefer Kester brand, but most brands will work fine.
2.
Isopropyl alcohol and cleaning rag
3.
Scotch
®
or painter’s tape
4.
Super glue; We prefer the “gel” type because it’s easy to control, but any type will work.
*Available from www.zeppelindesignlabs.com.
POPULATING THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS
Your work space should be well-lit, well-ventilated, and disposable; that is, don’t work on the nice dining
room table! Work on a utility surface that you can burn, drill and scratch. A piece of ¼” tempered
masonite, or a chunk of MDF, makes an excellent surface if you don’t have a utility work bench.
CAUTION
: Solder fumes are not healthy for you. The fumes consist of vaporized flux,
which can irritate your nose, lungs, and even your skin. You MUST work in a space where
the air drifts away from you as you work, so fumes do not rise straight into your face.
CAUTION
: Solder residue usually contains lead, which is poisonous if you ingest it. Do not
breathe the fumes, do not eat the supplies, wash your hands after you handle solder, and
sweep and wipe up your work space after EVERY USE.
