VLF-3 Rev #1C Assembly Instructions
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1b. Install the IC sockets
Remove the IC sockets and IC1 (LM386) and IC2 (LM358) from Bag #3. When
installing IC sockets and ICs, alignment is very important. One end of the IC symbol on
the PCB has a half-hole at one end of the symbol. One end of the socket has a half-
hole. The IC itself has a circular dot near one end.
Install the sockets so that the half-hole end coincides with the half-hole on the PCB.
Press the sockets firmly against the component side of the PCB. Solder the 8 pins on
the other side of the PCB taking care not to create any solder “bridges” between the
pins.
Install the IC so that the end with the dot is at the end of the socket with the half-hole.
Carefully fit the 8 pins in the socket holes and press the IC firmly into the socket. Note
that the IC pins come to you slightly spread apart. That is normal, but without bending
them to be more perpendicular to the body, they will be hard to match up to the socket
holes for insertion. The picture below shows one of the ICs before and after bending
the legs. To bend the legs hold each IC on its side with its leg’s flat against a table and
gently rotate the body to bend all the legs on one side at the same time. Turn it over
and do the same to the other side.
