Topic: Modding a UA-5 From Ebay...

[thierryhenry]

Alright, so if I got a UA-5 straight from Ebay, would it have to be modded as I see people have them on this site (i.e. Pmod, Warm Mod, Digimod, etc. etc.), or in theory could I use it right out the box with a battery supply and optical cable with my Jb3? If I would have to get it modded, how much would it cost? And would I have to take it to the Oades officially, or could someone here on the board do it? Thank you very much.

Joe.

[hexyjones]

Nope...its worthless without the digimod...(unless you are using a laptop.)

You will need the digi-mod - no matter what.

[dnsacks]

digimods can be done by folks that are comfortable with electronics == I believe that www.nickspicks.com has a link to instructions.

Doug Oade is the only person I know of who is modding the analog stage (wmod, pmod and tmod) for others.  Doug won't mod a ua5 unless it was originally purchased (and digimodded) by him. 

[thierryhenry]

So you are saying I would have to do it myself correct? Is it that difficult?

[Brian Skalinder]

So you are saying I would have to do it myself correct? Is it that difficult?

Oade won't mod it for you, unless purchased from the Oade Bros.  Whether you do it yourself, or have someone else (other than Oade Bros) do it, depends on your skills, willingness to try new things, etc.  Check out the Archival Info forum for a thread on self-modding the UA5.

[dnsacks]

As I noted before, the link explaining how to digimod the ua-5 can be found on www.nickspicks.com -- for your convenience, see http://ca.geocities.com/dkleined@rogers.com/audio/UA5/ModifyUA5.htm

This should give you a better sense of what's involved.

[Chanher]

I did what you are describing: I bought a cheap ua-5 so I could digimod it myself. And it was one of my first soldering experiences.

The good news:  it is doable by the solder newbie.

The bad news: It is rather difficult; expect to spend a considerable amount of time and energy practicing soldering and making sure everything is set up just right. You also run the risk of completely ruining your ua-5.

If you are somewhat of a handy person and you have a little time and money to spare, then I would recommend it. If you are not too handy and are busy as it is, then you are better off getting a digimod through Doug. That way you can always send it back for a performance mod if you like.

[thierryhenry]

Thanks alot.

[Ed.]

its easy.  just use flux.

open it up, cut the trace, put flux on the board at the soldering points.  tin the wire with solder, heat the wire and the solder will melt right onto the board, pull away the soldering iron, and bam, one side is connected -> do the other end, test, and you're good to go.

[Aaron734]

So you are saying I would have to do it myself correct? Is it that difficult?

i figured i would mess it up so i took it to an electronics repair shop, i printed the directions  and showed the guys there, they did an excellent job, they didnt charge me either! i bet you could get it done at the right shop for under 30 dollars...

[thierryhenry]

So you are saying I would have to do it myself correct? Is it that difficult?

i figured i would mess it up so i took it to an electronics repair shop, i printed the directions  and showed the guys there, they did an excellent job, they didnt charge me either! i bet you could get it done at the right shop for under 30 dollars...

Very good idea!