MOTM

I see the same *stuff* every time someone mentions "sockets". How much
of it is true and how much of it just *stuff* that goes on and on?

We use sockets because it improves the reliability of our modules.
Modern day sockets are well made and reliable, even the cheaper variety.
Using sockets lowers the amount of time that ICs are exposed to static
prone conditions. This is especially true with kit builders, who may not
have the sophisticated anti static facilities of industry.

The repairability of a non-socketed IC is a no brainer for anyone who
has had to remove a bad IC from a DS board; it takes about 20 times as
long and runs the risk of damaging the PCB itself.

Our warranty is essentially void if the kit builder does not use the
sockets provided. At the least, the usually very nominal repair charge
runs the risk of *tripling* in the case of an IC failure.

I cannot point to a single incident of a socket problem in the history
of Blacet Research.

Those are the *facts*. IMHO of course.
___________________
John Blacet
Blacet Research
http://www.blacet.com