Modulation matrix building question

[ris8_allo_zen0]

Hi all,

I’m waiting for the last set of components by Mike’s shop to have all the stuff needed to complete my “Step C in a candybox” (or “PHAT-BOX-SID” or “Copper Rocher”…). This involves making the modulation matrix.

What I can’t say is what’s easier: to glue each of the LEDs to the surface (bending the 56*2 = 112 legs to make an orthogonal grid) or to solder them in a PCB where the alignment is guaranteed (but height will not as easily)?

(note that I’ve already drilled manually the holes… and they’re far than perfectly aligned  )

Please explain me… thanks!

Best regards, Enrico

[Wilba]

I just soldered all the LEDs on my custom control surface PCB.

Since the PCB and panel were both CNC machined, I was able to do the following:

put the LEDs in the PCB holes

put the panel on top

attach panel to PCB

turn it all over, panel face down on a flat surface

place LEDs in the panel holes

adjust height of the panel/PCB so the LEDs poke through the panel the desired amount (1.5mm)

tack one lead of each LED to hold it

turn it face up and check LEDs are in position

turn it face down again, solder the other leads.

If you’ve designed your panel holes to a grid that matches your PCB, i.e. something like TK’s, 300 mils between LED centers, then it should all work nicely.

If you are using some experimenter boards, aka. veroboard, stripboard, prototyping board, then you might need to bend the leads of the LEDs so they fit diagonally on the board, so the LED center is aligned with a hole, and they’re all aligned with any switches that might also be aligned to the holes. You’ll know what I mean when you start doing it  ;D

Anyway, however you go about it, if you solder the LEDs while they’re in the panel holes, that fixes them in alignment, both horizontally and vertically.

[ris8_allo_zen0]

Thank you for the good advice Wilba! I’ve seen your professional layout… great work! nothing compared to mine…

I knew what you mean because that’s what I planned to do So I did… but because of the poor precision of drilling I had to adjust each LED, using the leads on the back side of the veroboard, to let it find the appropriate hole! I did this for an entire row, then fixed the veroboard, solder & cut the leads… a long and patient work, but very satisfactory! Even the grid isn’t as bad as I figured…

You we’re also right about the auto-alignment… I’m proud to have LEDs soldered to perfectly fit on my “errors”

I’ll add the photos in this post when I’ll come back home.

Best regards!

Enrico

[ris8_allo_zen0]

So, after two nights of work, here’s the result!..

[Wilba]

Cool! I forgot you were the one doing the diamond shaped box.

Using a PCB was the right choice, it looks a lot nicer than seeing LEDs glued to the panel.

[MTE]

Shine on you crazy Diamond 

[TheAncientOne]

Shine on you crazy Diamond 

In that case he’s going to have to call it “SID Barrett”.

Mike

[ris8_allo_zen0]

In that case he’s going to have to call it “SID Barrett”.

Mike

Now I’m plenty of good names to choose from for this box

[MTE]

;D