I wanted to give you some specific feedback about the guide, but had to set up sound for a jam session this afternoon. First of all, you broke down a rather complex build into very logical and digestible steps. Even if someone hadn’t planned to build the entire project, there are enough technical nuggets in there to apply to other projects. Second, the front panel design was very intuitive and would be easy to learn with a little practice. The build was very clean; I liked the way you organized the wires into bundles and groups. Made it easier to understand and ultimately, to troubleshoot.
And finally, in your workshop sessions and learning guides, I usually pick up on at least one fabrication/making hint that I haven’t considered before. The technique you use to solder the rainbow jumper wires to components like potentiometers and switches is brilliant. It solves the strain relief problem I run into when cutting jumper wires to solder — the copper wire is so small and flexible compared to the insulation that it fatigues very quickly near the solder joint. I’ve tried using heat shrink tubing to strengthen the wire, but that can eventually fail with even a small amount of flexing. Leaving the wire in the crimped pin or socket keeps the stiff insulation from bending the tiny copper conductor at the joint.
I switched to silicone wire for that reason, but would prefer to use rainbow jumper wires when grouped wires are needed. What a great technique! Thanks!
New tricks –> old dog.
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