LED Cube 8x8x8

Step 32 Build the controller: protoboard soldering advice

We see people do a lot of weird stuff when they solder on prototype PCBs. Before you continue, we just want to share with you the process we use to create tracks on prototype PCBs with solder eyes. Once you master this technique, you will probably start using it a lot.

1) Fill each point of the track you want to make with solder.
2) Connect every other points by heating them and adding a little solder.
3) Connect the 2-hole long pieces you now have spanning the desired track.
4) Look how beautiful the result is.

You can see in the video how we do it. We had to touch some of the points twice to join them. It was a bit hard to have the camera in the way when we were soldering ;)

Comments

[Chris Vighagen]

this might be a stupid idea but why not have a small thin copper wire run through all the connected dots on the top one?

wouldn't that save on the amount of solder needed?
I think my gramps used to do that.

[naimis]

One thing I've been doing is to bend the leads of the caps and resistors to use to run the connections. The result is a little bit neater (IMO) and uses a lot less solder. For the longer runs, I plan on using thin gauge (22 ish) solid hook-up wire. Just use an exacto knife to cut off the insulation in the spots you need to solder it.

[Helder4u]

I agree with Chris V!
A small wire soldered to the connected points increases dependability many times better.
Chunks of solder in such lengths are know to get loose from the board over time due to thermal and mechanical stress.

[domdomgin]

can i buy the pre programmed ic?how do i dissable jtag.please help..thanks..