Socket a whole PCB???!!!

[Bill Mountain]

Anyone ever socketed a whole PCB?  I have some ideas for a Muff style fuzz and the breadboard has been getting a little crowded (not to mention glitchy).  I only really need the 2 distortion stages because I'm planning different input and eq stages.  I bought a few PCB's and I'm gonna socket 90% of it because I have a whole slew of planned experiments and no component is safe.  I have the design mostly figured out but I don't want to waste an oppurtunity to try some popular or wacky mods (its my first muff build).  I don't normally build clones so this is kind of an exciting and relaxing project for me.  This seems like something a lot of folks would do but I haven't heard anyone mention doing it.  Once I have the components figured out I'm going to try do a turret or strip board build.

Outside of potential clusterf***s what issues or surprises can I expect?

[mremic01]

I've heard Bill Finnegan did this when designing the Klon. I haven't tried it with any circuits myself, but I imagine it would be fine as long as you make sure all the components are making good contacts with the sockets.

[Processaurus]

With a PCB you are locked into only changing values of components, as opposed to the circuit... why confine your experiments strictly to component values?

Breadboards can go bad over time, they aren't a forever tool.  Best to just chuck it if it is being flaky and get a new one?

[Kesh]

I have bread boarded all of a muff with no problem. I agree with Processaurus, get a new/better breadboard.

[amptramp]

Socket headers like these:

http://www.sinruitech.com/Products/ProductList.aspx?NodeID=44

can be used to add sockets to vero or pre-patterned boards.  You can get them in single inline with indentations between each one so you can break off as many as you need.  You should select machined pins with a breakaway feature so you can break them into smaller pieces.  They would be good enough for permanent use if you find a way to keep the devices firmly planted in the socket.  They are used for IC's (which will stay seated) but they may not be capable of holding other types of component.

[R.G.]

Sure. No biggie. Just have to find connector pins and sockets.


As an aside, PCBs can be both components soldered onto other PCBs and additional layers on an existing PCB. Used to be called appliques.

[artifus]

i use similar strips and they are a snug fit for most components and hold them well. jumper wires would allow you to rearrange the circuit to a certain degree, as well as subbing component values, or breaking out to a breadboard or whatever. the only con i can think of is possible capacitance as with breadboard, but i may just be making that up.

[Bill Mountain]

With a PCB you are locked into only changing values of components, as opposed to the circuit... why confine your experiments strictly to component values?

Breadboards can go bad over time, they aren't a forever tool.  Best to just chuck it if it is being flaky and get a new one?

PCB's offer a lot of options.  You're not locked into the circuit as is.  You can skip sections or rework them to your advantage.  I've done this several times.

I must agree that my breadboard is crap.