SIDEKICK Rack BUILD THREAD

[Joe Malone]

NOTES & ERRATA
None

Link to SIDEKICK PCB Front Build map
https://jlmaudio.com/builds/maps/SideKickFrontMap.html

Link to SIDEKICK PCB Rear Build map
https://jlmaudio.com/builds/maps/SidekickBackMap.html

Build order

Sidekick pcb kit.jpg

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1.Fit 8 x blue 15-edge connector to the front side of pcb. Check no gold connectors have slid forward while fitting. If any have press them back down before soldering all the blue connector pins. Double-check all soldering joints are properly soldered.

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2. Fit 2 x 26 pin right angle connectors to rear of PCB and solder with them flat against the PCB facing outwards as shown.

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3. Fit small inductor with black plastic side closest to the edge of the PCB and solder in.

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4. Fit large inductor with black plastic side closest to the edge of the PCB and solder in.

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5. Fit 100uF 50v cap with correct polarity to PCB and solder in.

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6. Fit 2 x 3300uF 25v cap with correct polarity to PCB and solder in.

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7. Sit all XLRs in their correct places and sit back panel on and add a few xlr screws to hold it together to keep alignment while soldering. A good idea to have the XLRs face down on a flat hard surface while soldering them in.

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8. Fit DB25 into rear of the back panel and Plugin IN (bottom) and OUT (top) DB25 ribbon cables into 26pin IDC connectors. Fit Hex nuts to hold DB25 in place. The 2 cables are different so out must be on top and in on bottom with D cutout matching the DSub connector shape.

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9. Test all in and outs with loop PCB or 500 modules and if all works fit all XLR screws.

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10. Screw case together with M3 x 5mm countersunk bolts provided and fit 500 modules with M3 x 8mm countersunk bolts provided.

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11. Screw on either wings with 8 x M5 x 10mm bolts or Handle and bottom thin feet with 9 x M5 x 10 bolts and end fat feet with 4 x 12mm bolts.

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[kevinf]

I put the sidekick kit together last week and it’s working brilliantly. Nice clear instructions and an easy build. Using a cardboard panel to keep the pin connectors in place while flipping is such a useful trick that would’ve saved me painters tape and frustration on previous projects.

[Joe Malone]

I put the sidekick kit together last week and it’s working brilliantly. Nice clear instructions and an easy build. Using a cardboard panel to keep the pin connectors in place while flipping is such a useful trick that would’ve saved me painters tape and frustration on previous projects.

Thanks Kevin. It is always great to hear back on how the assembly went

I have 3 different size MDF pieces that are my favorite tools to help flip PCBs with loose parts

[JLMfan]

Hi there! New to the forum and about to start building a few lovely JLM products including the Sidekick kit.
Can anyone explain how to assemble it or share the old photos? The images in this thread don’t seem to be loading for me.

Am I the only one? Would appreciate some help here.
Thanks!

EDIT: Never mind. Since posting this message it appears to have been fixed thanks!!

[Joe Malone]

Hi there! New to the forum and about to start building a few lovely JLM products including the Sidekick kit.
Can anyone explain how to assemble it or share the old photos? The images in this thread don’t seem to be loading for me.

Am I the only one? Would appreciate some help here.
Thanks!

EDIT: Never mind. Since posting this message it appears to have been fixed thanks!!

Let me know if you have any other questions while building

[JLMfan]

I have a general question regarding the DC Link toggles.
Are they only for the purpose of linking 2 compressors or can I use them to transfer sound from a Preamp to a Compressor and then an EQ?

Also what is the purpose of the Chassis Ground Link? Is it a Ground Lift to eliminate grounding noise issues?
Much thanks!

[Joe Malone]

I have a general question regarding the DC Link toggles.
Are they only for the purpose of linking 2 compressors or can I use them to transfer sound from a Preamp to a Compressor and then an EQ?

Also what is the purpose of the Chassis Ground Link? Is it a Ground Lift to eliminate grounding noise issues?
Much thanks!

The link switches are for compressor sidechain pin 6 linking only.

And the last switch on the right links chassis and audio ground together which is the recommend standard setting in most 500 rack setups. But some setups may need to open this switch rarely.

We do not do audio link switches on the backplane is increases audio crosstalk between channels

[Flatman]

Hey Joe

Fabricated the Sidekick today, I must say, this is a well engineered, great looking piece of Kit. As an engineer I just love the sound of a nice klick, when things fit together.
I couldn’t not take some photos.

image3.jpeg

The Gearsafe Lid is great, and the latches look great, even found somewhere to stick one of those stickers you keep sticking in the kits.

image1.jpeg

Of course I had to stuff it with my other efforts of the passed few weekends, expect orders for a few more.

image0.jpeg

[Joe Malone]

Hey Joe

Fabricated the Sidekick today, I must say, this is a well engineered, great looking piece of Kit. As an engineer I just love the sound of a nice klick, when things fit together.
I couldn’t not take some photos.
image3.jpeg

The Gearsafe Lid is great, and the latches look great, even found somewhere to stick one of those stickers you keep sticking in the kits.
image1.jpeg

Of course I had to stuff it with my other efforts of the passed few weekends, expect orders for a few more.
image0.jpeg

Wow you have been busy building

[Consig]

I see now after soldering first and last pins on the 15 edge connectors that they are numbered? But direction won't matter right? Just want to be sure before I solder the rest of the 28 x 8 of them.

[Joe Malone]

I see now after soldering first and last pins on the 15 edge connectors that they are numbered? But direction won't matter right? Just want to be sure before I solder the rest of the 28 x 8 of them.

yes the blue 2 x 15 pin edge connectors work either way up

[peetgardner]

Hi Joe. My SIDEKICK has stopped supplying phantom power to all installed units. What pins on the power supply send +48v? Many thanks.

[Joe Malone]

Hi Joe. My SIDEKICK has stopped supplying phantom power to all installed units. What pins on the power supply send +48v? Many thanks.

HI Peet
The power supply pinout is written on the bottom label on it. Measure between pin 2 and pin 5 for 48v. If you have 48v coming out of the power supply the most likely is a module is or has shorted the 48v and maybe blown open circuit the 4R7 1W SMD on the rack backplane pcb. Remove the modules and test between bottom of the blue edge connector 48v and 3rd from bottom 0v. If no 48v then 4R7 is most likely open circuit

If the 4R7 is open circuit. To remove the 4R7 is simple just heat each end with soldering iron back and forth until it slips off the pcb. You can easily solder a normal 4R7 1W resistor back in there by folding the legs back under the resistor body and soldering it to the pcb.

Power supply pinout
pin 1 chassis
pin 2 0v
pin 3 +16v
pin 4 -16v
pin 5 48v