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Vectronics VEC-1604K User Manual

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VEC-1604K Owner's Manual

Portable CD Amplifier Kit

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on during construction. Some builders find it especially helpful to arrange
resistors in ascending order along a strip of double-sided tape.

Reading Capacitors: Unlike resistors, capacitors no longer use a color code for
value identification. Instead, the value, or a 3-number code, is printed on the
body.

Multilayer

271

(270 pF)

Ceramic Discs

|
|

1uF

35V

+

-

104

Electrolytic

1 uF

10 pF = 100
100 pF = 101
1000 pF = 102

.001 uF = 102*

.01 uF = 103
.1 uF = 104

Value Code

102

(.001 uF) (.1 uF)

As with resistors, it's helpful to sort capacitors by type, and then to arrange them
in ascending order of value. Small-value capacitors are characterized in pF (or
pico-Farads), while larger values are labeled in uF (or micro-Farads). The
transition from pF to uF occurs at 1000 pF (or .001 uF)*. Today, most
monolithic and disc-ceramic capacitors are marked with a three-number code.
The first two digits indicate a numerical value, while the last digit indicates a
multiplier (same as resistors).

Electrolytic capacitors are always marked in uF. Electrolytics are polarized
devices and must be oriented correctly during installation. If you become
confused by markings on the case, remember the uncut negative lead is slightly
shorter than the positive lead.

Integrated Circuits: Proper IC positioning is indicated by a dot or square
marking located on one end of the device. A corresponding mark will be silk-
screened on the PC board and printed on the kit's parts-placement diagram. To
identify specific IC pin numbers for testing purposes, see the diagram below.
Pin numbers always begin at "1" at the keyed end of the case and progress along
the device, as shown:

TDA1013B

1

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