Just finished my 4-pack of A12s

[ferchman]

That was a lot of fun, although my eyes feel older. I'm rather new to assembly kits so I had a knowledgeable friend come over and test the A12s for me. Everything measured as expected. No smoke, yeah! He adjusted the pots to the proper settings and I am ready to go.

It was a bear to assemble the internal power connectors that daisy-chain to each board. Mine works, but it looks like a step child, abused. Some of my leads would pop out periodically while I was extending the chain. If I was going to have a problem in use, this would be the place I would have (one of the Molex connectors coming loose). I would have much rather purchased that piece already constructed. Maybe that would be an option in the future.

I have a session today and tracking drums. I'm excited to see how the A12s sound. In use, how would I set the Gain and Trim settings? What indicators would I have that I'm under or overdriving the pre?

By the way, my knowledgeable friend, was impressed by the kit.
Thanks.

[tele_player]

Though it's still tedious, getting the correct crimping tool is crucial to building the power cable correctly. Mine is good, but I'd gladly pay somebody else to do it.

[dkatz42]

Some of my leads would pop out periodically while I was extending the chain.

If the wires are popping out of the connectors, a proper crimping tool (and/or a dab of solder) will help immensely.

If the connectors are popping out of the block, they're not installed correctly. I found it tough going at first to get them to seat properly; you can tell when they "click" into place and the little metal tab on the back locks into the hole in the block. Usually the problem is that the metal ears on the connector are not correctly positioned in the guide slots within the block.

[Category 5]

Here is the correct tool from digi-key

WM9903-ND

ONce I got this it was like seeing the light. I felt the need to solder the wires to the tin inserts before the tool, but after I continued on with my harness just using the crimper. You may want to purchase new tin inserts and connectors and start over. It would suck to have a tin pop out (and even worse short something) during a great take!

Shane

[davidkakon]

Is it possible to solder the power supply cables directy to the circuit board instead of using that little plastic block?

[Category 5]

Sure, but of course you'll lose the flexibility of being able to move modules, or easily take them out for trouble shooting. I personally can't think of anything so bad regarding the molex connectors that would lead me to believe soldering the wires strait to the modules would have anything real benefit.

Shane

[ferchman]

After checking the Digi-Key price for the Molex tool, that would be the way to go. When I was collecting the tools to start the kit assembly, I was told that the Molex tool was around $50-60. Bad info. I'll probably get the tool and go back and redo my connectors.

Here's another question: What's the proper way to unseat the (power) clip from the circuit board? During assembly of my daisy-chain, I accidently inserted the clip all the way on. I managed to use a screwdriver to open the clip for release. However, it took some work to unseat it.

[tele_player]

If you can't just pull it off by hand, using something to help pry it off is appropriate. As always, power off, and be careful not to break something.

[ferchman]

I found a Molex Tool, bought some more wire and tin plugs, went back and reassembled the Power connectors. I took some time and tried to do a cleaner build. It turned out much better. However, my fingers are sore. I would still much rather have purchased the daisy-chain assembled.

Thanks for the help, guys.