[sdiy] When NOT to use sockets for chips ?

[Tim Daugard]

> I have had a similar circuit. The thing was an unintentional
> "zap-a-chip" circuit, which killed the newly replaced chips
> (back then I used sockets). Ok, the chip is dead, so just replace
it.
> Strange, the new one is dead as well, but it came right out of the
> tube... Oh my, why is there -15 where +15 was supposed to be...
:-P

Mine was more an "How much abuse can it take." First time was
driving a transformer differentaly. It worked. Different
transformer. Too much current the chip went poof. I added current
limiting resistors to the outputs.

Second time, power down the tester, leave the circuit it's attached
to on. Poof.

Third time, drive a 12V circuit from a five volt chip. No problem
untill you short the tester output to the 12V supply rail. Poof

Tim