<p>Make sure you observe necessary component polarity! Putting a component in backwards or in the wrong location can damage the component, and removing it can be a BIG hassle.</p>
<p>Resistors= NON POLARIZED. These can go in either way.</p>
<p>Capacitors= all of the small yellow and blue caps are NON polarized. The Black cylindrical caps are polarized. Make sure the LONG leg goes through the SQUARE hole.</p>
<p>LEDs = POLARIZED.  These are opposite from the caps. Make sure the LONG leg goes through the ROUND hole.</p>
<p>TRANSISTORS = POLARIZED. Make sure the flat side of the transistor lines up with the flat side of the transistor symbol on the circuit board. Carefully read the part number and place it correctly. Removing transistors is a HUGE PAIN and they are easy to break, so take your time!</p>
<p>Diodes = POLARIZED. Make sure the line on the diode matches the line on the diode symbol on the board.</p>
<p>ICs = POLARIZED.<br />
Install the IC sockets first and then put the ICs in the sockets.<br />
There is an indent on the side of the IC, socket and IC symbol that indicates the proper orientation. Make sure these are consistent from board to socket to IC.<br />
Plugging the ICs can be tricky. Make sure you don't bend over any of the legs.<br />
If you have to remove the IC DON'T pull it out with your hands. Use a flat head screw driver and slide it all the way under the IC then carefully pry it out.
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