FF1 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
- Place 1/2 Watt Resistors
- Solder Resistors
- Trim Resistors
- Diodes, and Capacitors (Bag 3)
- Populate Diodes
- IC Socket (Bag 4)
- Populate Small Capacitors
- Tape and Solder IC Socket
- Transistors (Bag 4)
- Place and Solder 2N3904 Transistor
- Quick Question
- Place and Solder 2N2369A Transistor
- Populate Large Capacitors
- IC (Bag 5)
- Place IC in Socket
- Final Checks
- Finished!
- Help Us Improve
Thank you for purchasing a FF1!
If this is your first DIY project ever, we recommend reading our Getting Started 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.
Place 1/2 Watt Resistors top
In this kit there are two bigger 1/2 resistors. These get placed and soldered like the rest.
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, and Capacitors (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.
IC Socket (Bag 4) 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.
Tape and Solder IC Socket top
Insert the IC socket so that the notch on the socket aligns with the markings on the PCB. Secure in place with tape. Then flip the PCB over and solder in place. Remove the tape.
Transistors (Bag 4) top
Place and Solder 2N3904 Transistor top
Place 2N3904 Transistor and bend the leads to hold it in place for soldering. Make sure the transistor is aligned so the flat edge matches that of the outline on the board. Then solder and trim.
Quick Question top
Place and Solder 2N2369A Transistor top
Place and bend the leads of the the 2N2369A transistor.
On this transistor, there is a little metal tab that sticks out from the metal case. Make sure this is aligned with the markings on the PCB. Then solder and trim.
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.
IC (Bag 5) top
Place IC in Socket top
Using a flat surface and your finger, bend the leads of the IC so they are 90 degrees from the case of the IC.
Line up the IC so that the dot on its surface is on the same side as the notch on the socket. Then push tthe IC into the socket.
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.