[XCSSA] XCSSA (Blowing Fuses and Unsure Why)

[X-otic Computer Systems of San Antonio]

On Sunday 11 January 2009 06:42:27 pm X-otic Computer Systems of San Antonio 
wrote:
> Didn't realize you were building this on perf-board, thought you had an
> etched PWB, now I understand why you've had troubles.
>
> Perf-boards are handy, but dangerous because most component leads do not
> fit tightly in the holes, and the leads can, and do flex (hello short
> circuit). And
> yes, I learned this lesson too.

There's also issues with the size of the wires (don't recommend building a 
power supply using wire wrap!).. Especially with the ground paths, which need 
to be fat and wide.. See how power traces are larger on PCBs?
	http://www.sampson-jeff.com/motor/motor_b.gif

Power and ground traces should not be lone wires snaking all around a perf 
board.  It can be done, but needs to be done with the proper gage wire:
	http://w5jgv.com/hv-ps/17V-PS.jpg

With practices like a ground & Vcc busses like this:
	http://www.hawestv.com/mtv_page/mtv_art/LED_dvr_back_vert.gif

The guy may not be a "good" solderer, but notice how you can SEE his Vcc and 
ground busses?  That's how you distribute power.  Especially in audio 
applications where if you're not careful, you can create ground loops that 
pick up noise.

Tweeks