CHAPTER 23 ■ THE MOTHERBOARD- Now, whenever a module circuit needs access to positive power, simply solder
a wire to the bare wire that forms the positive-voltage distribution bus (see
Figure 23-14).
Figure 23-13. Underside of breadboard showing long bare wire to provide a distribution bus that can
accommodate many connections of wire
Figure 23-14. Positive-voltage distribution bus on which many wires are soldered
- Repeat the same technique to form a negative-voltage distribution bus.
Soldering the Remaining Components
The components are laid out on the breadboard and held in place. A positive and negative distribution bus
is now available, just as it is on the solderless breadboard. All that remains is to connect the components
together, using the solderless breadboard as a model and checking the wiring diagram as necessary.
- Working on a module at a time, pick a component lead and determine where it
needs to be connected. - Determine the approximate distance of the connection and cut a piece of
stranded, insulated wire to the desired length, plus some extra length for slack.
Any wire diameter from #22 AWG to #26 AWG is acceptable, although I prefer
thinner (#26) wire. - Strip a bit of insulation from both ends of the wire.
- Wrap one end of the wire around the component lead. Alternatively, sometimes
you can stuff the end of the wire into the same hole as the component, providing
some mechanical strength and lots of electrical contact. Either way, make sure
the joint to be soldered has plenty of bare metal exposed for both the wire and
the component lead. - Solder the joint.