Installing The Op Amp Sockets

OP AMP SOCKETS

If your op amp is new, then it should have sufficiently long leads (connecting pins), the surfaces of which are clean and smooth. If this is the case, then you may elect to install sockets, rather than soldering the op amp directly to the PCB. Sockets will allow for quick and easy replacement/substitution of the op amp, no tools required, should the need ever arise. One method of installing the sockets is described in the following photographs.

If your op amp has been removed from another piece of equipment and has cut pins, covered in solder residue, then it’s best just to solder it to the DIY500 PCB without sockets, and skip the following.

 

Fig. 19 Empty the DIY500 hardware bag to find the (7) op amp sockets.

 

Fig. 20 You only need 6 sockets. Use your discrete op amp to hold them in place.

 

Fig. 21 Gently ease the op amp sockets into their PCB holes.

 

Fig. 22 Hold the socketed op amp in place while flipping over the PCB.

 

Fig. 23 Try to hold the PCB flush, pushing down against the sockets, while you solder in the outermost ones. Remember that a good solder joint must be held perfectly still while hardening.

 

Fig 24. Now you can let go of the PCB and quickly (e.g. 4 seconds) solder the rest of the sockets. Remember not to overheat or you could damage your op amp!

 

Fig. 25 With all sockets soldered in place, the bottom will look like this.

 

Fig. 26 Turn over the PCB and remove your op amp. The installed sockets should appear as shown here.

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