Building the inductance & Q-Factor Meter is quite straightforward. Fig.9 shows the parts layout on the single PC board.

Begin by installing the wire links. All of the links except one can be formed from 0.7mm tinned copper wire or similar. The link situated to the right of Q1 must be fashioned from light-gauge insulated wire instead.

Fig.9: follow this diagram when assembling your meter. In particular, make sure that all the high-profile components are seated as close to the board as possible.

Follow up with the resistors and then continue with all remaining components in order of height. Note that the high-profile components must be mounted as far down on the PC board surface as possible, so as not to interfere with the keypad and LCD when they are installed in the case later.

In fact, the tip of REG3’s metal tab had to be removed on the prototype, to clear the rear of the keypad. This can be done using a hacksaw (with the device held in plastic vice jaws) and then carefully filing the job to a smooth finish . Alternatively, you may be able to bend the regulator to achieve sufficient clearance.

When installing the IC sockets, be sure to align the notched (pin 1) ends as indicated in the overlay diagram. Also, check that you have the banded (cathode) ends of the diodes (D1-D8) and the positive leads of the four polarised capacitors around the right way.