[treeants]

Hello Sound Skulptor
I am very new to DIY and this is one of my first projects, so sorry if this is a stupid question.
Do I need to solder all the Test Pins into the XT500? 
And if so which way round do they go, does the short part go in or the long?

Can't wait to use my two TS500's!
Keep up the great work.
Thanks

[JPK]

Yes it will be easier to make measurements (if necessary) with the pins.
The pins are inserted with the short, square section end first.

[treeants]

Great thanks for the prompt reply.
Cheers

[eewee]

A simple trick to get the test pins nicely vertical and aligned: first solder them up, then hold the board up (flat, horizontally), and re-heat the joint from below: they'll wiggle a bit, then magically fall into the right perpendicular orientation.
It's best to do them as the first components you solder, otherwise it's easy to touch the connector plastics with your soldering iron.