Ceriatone Forum

I'm getting ready to start building the Ceriatone Ultra Champ and wondered if anyone had any images and/or construction notes/tips that they would be willing to share.

Michael

Hey Michael

There should be images on the Ceriatone website to use as a guide for lead dress.
I'm not sure if this is your first build but here are a few tips:

1. Grind down to bare metal on the chassis at the grounds with a dremmel or sand paper before mounting tabs. ( the painted chassis is non-conductive )

2. Use a good soldering iron, not a $15 radioshack deal

3. Best tool for ampbuilding I have found so far is a small pair of 45 degree angled needlenose pliers. ( makes lead dress 10 times easier )

4. pre tin your wire after stripping. ( makes step 5. come out more professional looking without frayed wire ends )

5. Make a solid mechanical connection before soldering, by bending stripped wire end into a hook/loop and routing through terminal then crimping tight. ( you should not have to hold wire in place while soldering ).

6. I use loctite blue thread locker on all nuts and screws so they will never come loose from vibration.

7. With every step throughout the build ask yourself " will this last 30-40 years without needing to be repaired? "

8. If there is anything you are unsure of ask here and you will usually get a fairly quick response!

Todd

Hi Todd, thank you for taking the time ro reply.  I have some limited previous experience and your guidance will be a big help.

Warmest regards
Michael

No problem
Let us know if you have any questions

Todd

I would add using a handheld magnifying glass. radio Shack sells one for cheap.  I check every solder joint, and would have missed a few cold solder joints without it.