Delptronics Thunderclap - Manual (Page 4)

Thunderclap Kit Instructions V2
Page 4 of 11
Chip Sockets (±)
There are two 8-pin sockets and one 16-pin socket. Sockets are marked with a small U-shaped notch on one end
that must line up with the outline on the PCB. Once the socket is soldered in place, the PCB outline will not be
visible, so it is important that the sockets are oriented correctly in order to ensure that the chips are inserted correctly.
Electrolytic Capacitors (±)
Electrolytic capacitors look like little tin cans with two wires sticking out of the bottom. The value is clearly printed on
the capacitor. All three electrolytic capacitors in this kit are the same value (10 µF).
Electrolytic capacitors are polarized, so which lead goes in which hole is important. The negative lead on the
capacitor is the shorter one and it is marked with a gray stripe on its body. The positive lead is longer. The positive
hole on the PCB has a square pad and is marked with a plus sign.
Voltage Regulator (±)
There is one voltage regulator chip in the kit. The voltage regulator has the same basic shape as a transistor. There
are several ways to tell them apart. First and foremost, the voltage regulator is marked with the part number 5033.
Second, the voltage regulator is loose and the three transistors are taped together. When in doubt, read the marking
on the part.
The voltage regulator’s outline on the PCB is labeled U4. Transistors have the same type of outline, so make sure
you put the regulator in the right place. Make sure that the flat side of the voltage regulator lines up with the flat side
of the outline on the PCB.
The regulator is more heat sensitive than most of the parts in this kit, so take care not to let the soldering iron linger
too long. If you are unsure, then solder one lead at a time and let the part fully cool off before soldering the next lead.
Transistors (±)
There are two 2N3904 transistors in the kit. The outlines on the PCB are labeled Q1 and Q2. Note that the outline for
the voltage regulator
is similar to that of a transistor, but it is clearly labeled “U4” on the PCB.
Make sure that the flat side of the transistor lines up with the flat side of the outline on the PCB. The transistors will
not sit flush against the PCB. Do not force them down any further than they will go with a little pressure.
Transistors are more heat sensitive than most of the parts in this kit, so take care not to let the soldering iron linger
too long. If you are unsure, then solder one lead at a time and let the part fully cool off before soldering the next lead.