To socket or not to socket?

[Batz Goodfortune]

Y-ellow Michael 'n' y'all.
	Sockets do have problems (sometimes) in high shock, high vibration
environments. Where the IC can literally be shaken out of it's socket. Some
sockets get dirty due to poor materials and or vibration. Sockets suffer
with expansion and contraction due to temperature as well. This in
conjunction with dirt can cause poor connections to the IC after a time. We
use to have this problem with early PCs. The solution was to go round and
press all the ICs firmly back in their sockets.

However. Most of this can be avoided if you (a) never move your gear. Or
(b) place a dob of silicon adhesive or hot-melt under the chip before
pressing it into the socket. This prevents the IC from moving and because
of it's rubbery nature, also provides a kind of suspension support. You can
replace the IC by simply prizing it out of it's socket as usual but it
won't possibly move of it's own accord.

I have heard RF people complain about sockets causing problems but that's
hardly an issue with synth gear I would think.

On the whole I use sockets extensively. Especially when running up a
prototype. You never know when you might want to exchange that pin
compatible OP-amp or something. And as John says. Replacing an IC in a
socket is 500% easier if it's in a socket.

Hope this helps.

Be absolutely Icebox.

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