15IPS mkII Assembly Guide
Damaged or Missing Parts All kits and parts are checked before being shipped to you. If something arrives damaged or if your kit is missing a part, please open a support ticket to inquire about a replacement. Missing parts will be replaced at our expense. Damaged parts should be returned for verification. If the part shows signs of use beyond what was necessary to determine that it was damaged, DIY Recording Equipment, LLC reserves the right not to replace the part.
Table of contents
- Required Tools
- Optional Tools
- Component Sorting Sheet
- Standoffs and Header (Bag 1)
- Insert Standoffs
- Populate 8-Pin Header
- Resistors (Bag 2)
- Bend Resistors
- Sort Resistors
- Place Resistors
- Solder Resistors
- Trim Resistors
- Diodes (Bag 3)
- Populate Diodes
- Populate LED
- Transistors (Bag 4)
- Populate BC327 Transistors
- Populate BC337 Transistors
- Capacitors (Bag 4 Cont.)
- Populate Small Capacitors
- Quick Question
- Populate Large Capacitors
- Final Checks
- Finished!
- Help Us Improve
Thank you for purchasing a 15IPS Colour!
If this is your first DIY project ever, we recommend reading our Getting Started Guide.
This guide is for the 15IPS mkII, if you purchased the earlier version see the 15IPS mkI assembly guide.
Required Tools top

Soldering Iron
We recommend an adjustable-temperature station, such as the Weller WLC100.

Solder
You can use 60/40 "leaded" solder or lead-free. We recommend 60/40 because it flows better and is easier for beginners to use.

Wire Cutters
You'll need a pair of good "snips" for cutting of the excess leads after soldering.
Optional Tools top

Multi-meter
If you run into problems, a multimeter can come in handy. You can also use it to sort resistors.

Desoldering Pump
If you accidentally solder something in the wrong place, a desoldering pump can save the day.
Component Sorting Sheet top
To identify and keep track of every part in the kit, download and print the Component Sorting Sheet (PDF).
Standoffs and Header (Bag 1) top
Insert Standoffs top
Note that there are two different ends on the plastic standoffs. The locking end has tabs with a right angle to prevent them from being removed after installation, while the non-locking end has smooth tabs. Insert the locking ends of the standoffs from the bottom of the PCB.
Populate 8-Pin Header top
Insert the 8-pin header into the holes marked “CON1.” Make sure to place the short, silver pins through the bottom of the PCB so that the PCB rests on the black plastic posts. Solder the header from the top of the PCB and do not trim the leads afterward.
Resistors (Bag 2) top
Bend Resistors top
Bend the resistor leads 90 degrees at the body so they can be inserted into the PCB.
Sort Resistors top
Resistor sorting made easy! Enter a value to find the color bands, or enter your color bands to find the resistor’s value. Type in the value of the resistor you need and this tool will show you the corresponding color code.
Place Resistors top
Place the resistors into their respective positions on the PCB. As you place each resistor, bend its leads against the bottom of the PCB so that it stays in place during soldering.
Solder Resistors top
Solder the resistors to the PCB. Observe good soldering technique: heat the pad and lead for 2-3 seconds, apply a small bit of solder, and continue to heat the pad for another 2-3 seconds. The finished joints should be shiny and should have just enough solder to cover the pad entirely.
Trim Resistors top
Use clippers to trim away the excess leads. Clip as closely as possible to the joint without clipping the joint itself.
Diodes (Bag 3) top
Populate Diodes top
Place each diode so that the line on the component matches the line on the PCB. Double check the orientation, then solder and trim.
Note that there are two smaller diodes. These should be placed in the positions D1 and D2.
Populate LED top
Place the LED so that the longer leg goes through the hole with a "+" marking. Double check the polarity, then solder.
Transistors (Bag 4) top
Populate BC327 Transistors top
Note that there are two different types of transistors in this bag: some with silver markings on top and some without. Those without a marking are the BC327s. Place them in the positions that have an outline of the transistor instead of a filled-in shape. Make sure the transistors are aligned so the flat edge matches that of the outline on the board. Then solder and trim.
Those positions are T1, T2, T5, and T7
Populate BC337 Transistors top
Place the transistors that do have a silver marking in the positions with a filled-in shape. Check that they are all oriented according to the shape on the PCB, then solder and trim.
Those positions are T3, T4, and T6
Capacitors (Bag 4 Cont.) top
Populate Small Capacitors top
Place the smaller capacitors in their respective places. These capacitors are not polarized and therefore can be placed in either direction. Solder then trim the leads.
Quick Question top
Populate Large Capacitors top
These capacitors are polarized, so they must be placed in a certain direction. The positive lead is slightly longer, while the negative lead is marked with a stripe on the body of the capacitor. Place the capacitors with the positive lead in the pad next to the "+" marking on the PCB. Double check their orientation, then solder and trim.
Final Checks top
Before you wrap up, check the following things:
Finished! top
All good? Congrats on finishing your build! Have a question or problem? Drop us a line.