How to DIY Properly (how I prep for successful builds)

Have you ever messed up a DIY build? Maybe you made a synth or pedal that didn't quite work right? I've gotten questions about this so in this video, I'll walk you through how I prepare for a build and set myself up for success. (Hint: it's mostly down to organization.)
NOTE: This video is mostly about preparation and organization. For detailed tips on the actual soldering (with lots of gorgeous close-up shots) I made a whole separate video for that: • How to Solder Through ...
I'm certainly not the world's best DIYer or anything so tell me... How do YOU prep? Please share your tips below!
Thanks to the people of 4MS (www.4mscompany.com) for providing the QPLFO (Quad, Pingable LFO). This module is awesome because it packs a lot of functionality (4 LFOs!) in only 12HPs of space--perfect for smaller/portable rigs! This video ran long so I'll have to show this product in-use in a future video.
Here is a link to that product:
4mscompany.com/qplfo-kit.php?...
If you enjoy these videos please consider supporting this channel on Patreon! Even a $1 a month goes a long way :)
www.patreon.com/leomakes

[@dcurry7287]

Leo, your videos have helped me tremendously with making the scary leap from thinking synth DIY is something cool, to thinking synth DIY is something cool that I can do. I'm looking forward to part two!

[@LeoMakes]

Very kind words-thank you! And jump in. It’s a fun abd strangely relaxing hobby. And you even end up with a synth in the end! :)

[@juliomontes5525]

I watched a few videos yesterday that cannot be compared (even the slightest bit) to a well designed video like this. WOW. thanks for making it seem somewhat realistic for me to approach!

[@LeoMakes]

Thanks for watching. Hope you have a successful build!

[@juliomontes5525]

@@LeoMakes Thanks Leo! I am a complete beginner to this field of building this fine equipment. Would you recommend your Patreon to someone like me who wants to get started in building and, more importantly, calibrating modules? Thanks man!

[@DazzaDirect]

A few ideas for a competition ask for best DIY project ideas, creations or best DIY setups and review them, thanks for your content

[@MaxedMusicArts]

Thanks for being a cool channel! I thoroughly enjoy your walkthroughs, explanations and humor. Would love for you to do diy contact mics

[@jamesbritt5597]

Ice-cube trays and sticky notes are handy tools for organizing as well.

[@LeoMakes]

Great tip. Ice cube trays are a must have when disassembling things with different screws, nuts, etc.

[@donovangregg5]

I understand this channel is a hobby only for you, but dang man, your content is amazing for electronics... Keep up the great work!

[@johnhardig9754]

Nice job... I would happily take it off your hands!

[@DazzaDirect]

where did that pencil come from , is there a link ?

[@lucasc5622]

you cannot buy the man pencil, you earn the man pencil

[@RetroPlus]

I like it, it's a good looking module.

[@rhinoskin7550]

Amazing. Thank you for sharing. Sooo cool. Haha.

[@njacksonkc]

Excellent videos, I like your process and detail. Subscribed. I'm curious if you delve into any other hardware hobbies like game console modding or home PC lab hardware.

[@LeoMakes]

HA-I'd love to do more but, these days, I barely have time to do just my regular music-related builds! Thanks for subscribing!

[@memoriasIT]

What a great channel reddit showed me today :D

[@XiXora]

I have a feeling KZbin doesn't allow giveaways these days :( (I don't know, I just hearing things from KZbinrs moaning) I do see people using gleam.io a lot though. The quality of your videos get better with each one. Love it.

[@LeoMakes]

Hmm... :/ well that's potentially a bummer. Hopefully I can do it without getting into trouble. Regardless, thanks for watching (and the tip!)

[@XiXora]

No prob, but this does give you the opportunity to make people follow you elsewhere (if you wish!) Some say "follow on twitter to get the link" or whatever :)

[@brianvinsonhaler2555]

I imagine I am way too late on this, but loved the video and wondered if you have given it away? I’m a bit of an older guy who is new to eurorack, just ordered the 4ms QCD and this would be the perfect companion! 😉

[@theonlyrobot]

Do you have any advice on consulting in documentation and technical writing? I have a couple of scientific publications, as well as professional experience in process documentation and software development. Thanks for all your content! Your SMA soldering video opened a new door for me!

[@tas_pas]

I want it :)

[@TheMrmartintorres]

Some that I've seen have everyone comment with a specific keyword, like "PingableLFO" or something, that way you only deal with actual entries and not someone who accidentally says a more common word.

[@JBastio]

Leo, you could also get work as a hand model! :P Hope you're doing well my friend!

[@hardgainer7396]

Do you prepare soldering iron anyhow?

[@ben_burnes]

1:10 well heck where do I get a job like that, that sounds like a lot of fun!

[@LeoMakes]

A great job and an amazing industry full of awesome people. I have been working in the pro audio / musical instruments industry (at many different companies and roles) for 16 years now and I still love it. I hope I’ll get to keep doing this for another several decades!

[@SaintMatthieuSimard]

Hi good sir, i have a question... What do you suggest to... Probe on very tiny circuits? I thought about using bread bag ties because the wire inside will probably retain all solder instead of losing it like copper wires... I even thought about soldering cut off sewing needles so i can then solder on these for the probe. My goal is to turn a gamepad into an arcade stick. I have all parts but i know how easy it is to screw up everything when moving too fast without thinking twice. Tho the PCB is broken but still reacting. I have to solder Real Close to one of the main bus chips which has some so tiny legs i wouldn't even dare approaching my iron too close. Are there some kind of solid parts that i can use to probe a circuit? Like a needle... But coated.. With a corked tip...? Because i assume that bread bag ties *could do but probably won't be good enough... and that needles would please for some coating... Tho, i bought circuit paint from China but it's late, so, it prevents me from moving forward...

[@kevinnel7038]

Not really sure if I understand your question but I normally just clip some breadboard wires to my alligator clips

[@SaintMatthieuSimard]

@@kevinnel7038 Best is if i could send you a picture... cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server500/d90a4/products/1078/images/4671/XBOX1_GAMEPAD_PCB__33321.1403060558.1280.1280.jpg?c=2 The bottom right row of pins on the chip is where the circuit is broken, so i have to probe really close to the chip... Using simple copper wires will be a hell, even with the cleanest of iron tips... That's why i'm looking for a more "SOLID" way...

[@SaintMatthieuSimard]

@@kevinnel7038 I'm not native English.. By breadboard, you really mean those iron wires coated with paper or plastic? I used google translate... I don't mean breadboard but really iron/plastic ties that are used to seal the bags. I'm looking for a safe way to put side-by-side micro-solders and i thought that that cheap wire could do the trick... But maybe it wouldn't. I know it's conducting, but is it conducting enough? Needles are much more solid than iron coated ties... My goal really is to replace the onboard buttons with arcade buttons, so i have to get the channels bypassed, To "hack" the circuit so the on board buttons are all replaced by bigger ones.

[@SaintMatthieuSimard]

breadboard wire to alligator clips... Hmm... Now that i read that again, i've got a whole bag of alligator clips!

[@DazzaDirect]

look up 30awg hook-up wire or 0.4mm enameled copper wire and use hot air or a super fine 1mm tip at less than about 350℃, check out youtube videos on DIY Nintendo Game Cube mod chips

[@jimvoos]

Hey Leo, great reference on Arturia! Just upgraded to the latest version to be able to check out Synthi. I don't know if you are into woodworking(other than CNC), but have checked out any history on Carl Malmsten? I studied in the fine woodworking program in California under James Krenov, who was a student of Carls. Check him out if you haven't already.... I'll keep watching

[@jarrettholly3888]

Leo! I dig that rebar pencil with the concrete case and must own one myself. Would you be a gentleman and provide a link to buy or just tell us who makes them (brand) and we can go find them on our own! (I already tried a quick search) ;-)

[@LeoMakes]

Sure it’s from a German store called Manufactum (Manufactum.com). Fantastic store with only crazy high quality stuff made mostly in Europe. Look up pencils and you’ll find it there.

[@jarrettholly3888]

YES! Thanks so much, Brother! I gotta come see you in the land of Vikings at some point.

[@knuteri3]

Another channel called ElectroBoom uses a simple Google form where you enter your email. (He also has a Patreon, and signing up as his patreon also enters you in the giveaways)

[@tas_pas]

You can send it to the first person asking for it in the comments...

[@Gameboygenius]

🤔

[@tylerevans1700]

Lol, beg a litttttttle more.. ;)

[@Elnufo]

You simply set a "buzzword" and people can comment a video with that specific word. The you use a Program e.g. KZbin Random Comment Picker : commentpicker.com/youtube.php and off you go. There also are videos about that Topic here on KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWPWaZmohtR0m9k

[@LeoMakes]

Good tip! Will look into this. Thanks!

[@Elnufo]

@@LeoMakes You`re welcome :-)

[@WAMProducties]

gleam.io is a way a lot of people, including streamers, youtubers and even companies, run givaways. It makes you link a KZbin account and allows you to subscribe to a channel in order to entry the giveaway.

[@manne3d]

Great video! Sign me up for the 4MS QPLFO give-away please!!1 thx

[@mynameismynameis666]

why did it take me 3 years to find a proper mencil

[@educlaross]

well it's my birthday today soo.... maybe............ :)