Order of assembly!

[iamtherealmungo]

Hi,

I've assembled the components onto the PCB for my first DIY pedal..

I'm following the wiring digram but wanted to know what people find easier.. Do they drill the enclosure and mount all the pots and switches.. then wire in the PCB?
Or do they wire it all up then install it in the enclosure. Not sure how much wire to cut between each component yet aha.

[StereoKills]

Generally you'll want to drill and mount the off board components before you wire in the PCB. Not to say you can't do it that way, but it will probably be easier, and almost certainly look better. Plus you know how long to make your wires.

[R.G.]

Wire before putting it in the box.

[Suicufnoc]

Wire before putting it in the box.

Seconded.  I've used a block of foam and just poked the shafts of the pots to hold them into place.  Works great.

[mattthegamer463]

I don't know why I haven't been doing this, I've thought to do it before.  Seems like the rare time laziness has made someone end up doing more work...

[defaced]

If the box pattern is symmetrical, you can use the box to hold the front mounted components while you wire it up.  I did something similar on my mini-signial generator. 

[davent]

Borrowing extensively from R.G. and John Lyons, use assembly boards that match the enclosure.



dave

[joegagan]

dave, you are a brilliant technician ( kudos to john L as well )

rg, i really dig that illustration and the concept.