[sdiy] Perfboard construction pointers

[Ian Fritz]

At 10:04 PM 7/6/2010, Sam Ecoff wrote:
>Am I constructing my perfboard circuits correctly? Are there some 
>resources that talk about the proper way to make connections between 
>components?

Most of my circuits are on perfboard.

There are many ways to work with perfboard.  Feel free to develop your own 
style!  Nowadays I use pad-per-hole board, usually the inexpensive Radio 
Shack 276-147. For wiring, you can solder the components in place with some 
extra lead length sticking through, and then use the extra lengths as 
solder terminals to make connections between the components. You can use 
any fine wire for this -- #30 wire-wrap wire works well, or fine, plain 
copper bus wire with teflon insulation (where needed), etc.

For experimental work I use lots of Vector pins and posts, to make it 
easier to change parts. Vector T42 and K30. These are also good for all 
your I/O connections, if you don't want to use sockets.

I never do a layout ahead of time -- just mount the IC sockets leaving 
plenty of space between, wire up the PS lines using heavy busses  (#24 or 
so) (and fine wire from the busses to the IC pins), then  mount the 
components near their associated ICs and wire them up as you go along.

Don't worry about the details -- whatever is quick and neat for you is fine.

   Ian