How Hard Would It Be To Build One Of These...

[FreddieFerric]

https://bottlehead.com/product/eros-...amplifier-kit/

I would say my level of technical ability is a cut above novice, but I am by no means experienced in this type of thing. I have a steady hand, a sharp mind and the patience to follow instructions. I live by the motto: Slow is Pro.

Any ideas on how complex this project might be. If you think it's beyond my skill level, please let me know that. The last thing I'd want to do is invest in this thing and not be able to complete it myself.

[CGabriel]

Originally Posted by FreddieFerric

https://bottlehead.com/product/eros-...amplifier-kit/

I would say my level of technical ability is a cut above novice, but I am by no means experienced in this type of thing. I have a steady hand, a sharp mind and the patience to follow instructions. I live by the motto: Slow is Pro.

Any ideas on how complex this project might be. If you think it's beyond my skill level, please let me know that. The last thing I'd want to do is invest in this thing and not be able to complete it myself.

The key question is: Can you solder well?

If not, practice soldering wires until you are confident that you can make good solder joints. One “cold” solder joint will ruin your build. And the bad joint is difficult to find after the fact for an inexperienced person.

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by CGabriel

The key question is: Can you solder well?

If not, practice soldering wires until you are confident that you can make good solder joints. One “cold” solder joint will ruin your build. And the bad joint is difficult to find after the fact for an inexperienced person.

Excellent advice. I've done some welding back in my youth, although I'm sure soldering is not the same game. I will invest in a good soldering gun and practice with it until I'm confident in myself.

What type of solder should I chose?

[Antonmb]

There is plenty of useful information in the Bottlehead forum. You could start here for guidance on tools and solder: https://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=173.0

[For The Love of Music]

Freddie, interesting.

Tony, Caelin - Not knowing, I linked to their site and they are on Bainbridge

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by Antonmb

There is plenty of useful information in the Bottlehead forum. You could start here for guidance on tools and solder: https://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=173.0

OMG! Great link. This is starting to look somewhat complex right out of the box.

[W9TR]

I’d add - use 63/37 rosin core solder. Avoid fancy or lead free solders as they are harder to work with. 63/37 has the lowest melting point and will be easiest to work with. Get as small a diameter as you can.

The fun and accomplishment of building your own kit is just super rewarding.

Tom

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by FreddieFerric

Excellent advice. I've done some welding back in my youth, although I'm sure soldering is not the same game. I will invest in a good soldering gun and practice with it until I'm confident in myself.

What type of solder should I chose?

Go for it! Always fun to learn something new and it won’t be as hard as it may seem.

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by W9TR

I’d add - use 63/37 rosin core solder. Avoid fancy or lead free solders as they are harder to work with. 63/37 has the lowest melting point and will be easiest to work with. Get as small a diameter as you can.

The fun and accomplishment of building your own kit is just super rewarding.

Tom

Thanks for the input. After doing some research, I think your suggestion is a good one.

Originally Posted by PHC1

Go for it! Always fun to learn something new and it won’t be as hard as it may seem.

I spent some time yesterday looking at youtube vids of various Bottlehead DIY builds. I think Caelin is right. I need to work on my soldering skills first. It seems pretty clear if you bollocks that part up you have a big problem on your hands.

I probably will do this. I've been wanting an outboard preamp for my BR20, and the EROS seems a reasonably affordable way to up my tape game.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by FreddieFerric

Thanks for the input. After doing some research, I think your suggestion is a good one.



I spent some time yesterday looking at youtube vids of various Bottlehead DIY builds. I think Caelin is right. I need to work on my soldering skills first. It seems pretty clear if you bollocks that part up you have a big problem on your hands.

I probably will do this. I've been wanting an outboard preamp for my BR20, and the EROS seems a reasonably affordable way to up my tape game.

Soldering is not difficult but like everything else takes a little practice. Invest in a quality soldering station like Weller with adjustable temp and replaceable tips and practice to get a feel for getting good, shiny solder joints. Back in the day I had to solder to Mil-Spec standards at one of my jobs, that was fun...