Feedback on soldering effort and circuit analysis

I don't know what value would be safe, but I would put a resistor of about 1000 to 2000 ohmsin series with the pot to keep it from blowing the transistor if the resistance of the pot is reduced too much.

Yes, yo did solder on the correct side of the board this time. Most often you try to use the copper traces to interconnect the components.

Are the copper traces those long sections of copper?

Andy

I referred to all the copper as copper tracing.

The long sections are often used for power circuits one being the positive and the other being the negative on more complex circuits. Use whichever is easiest for the plus and minus just do not get them confused as to which one you call the plus and minus.

The copper pads that have from 2 to 5 holes in them can often be used to place the components and you will not need to use much wire to connect the components. Just let the copper pads be the wires. I say copper pads and tracings meaning anything copper on the board.

Okay. I replaced my soldering tip as it was smoking a lot and had to work to get solder to melt.

I hope the Hakko type fits my iron. They look the same.

Andy

Do what Ralph said to make the circuit more protective for the transistor.

I did.

Andy

Should cut down on magic smoke wastage :-)