Learn how to solder with tons of tutorials!
Don't forget to learn how to use your multimeter too!
Don't forget to learn how to use your multimeter too!
Tools
There are a few tools that are required for assembly. None of these tools are included. If you don't have them, now would be a good time to borrow or purchase them. They are very very handy whenever assembling/fixing/modifying electronic devices! I provide links to buy them, but of course, you should get them wherever is most convenient/inexpensive. Many of these parts are available in a place like Radio Shack or other (higher quality) DIY electronics stores.
Soldering iron
Any entry level 'all-in-one' soldering iron that you might find at your local hardware store should work. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for.
Upgrading to a higher end soldering iron setup, like the Hakko FX-888 that we stock in our store, will make soldering fun and easy.
Do not use a "ColdHeat" soldering iron! They are not suitable for delicate electronics work and can damage the kit (see here).
Click here to buy our entry level adjustable 30W 110V soldering iron.
Click here to upgrade to a Genuine Hakko FX-888 adjustable temperature soldering iron.
Any entry level 'all-in-one' soldering iron that you might find at your local hardware store should work. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for.
Upgrading to a higher end soldering iron setup, like the Hakko FX-888 that we stock in our store, will make soldering fun and easy.
Do not use a "ColdHeat" soldering iron! They are not suitable for delicate electronics work and can damage the kit (see here).
Click here to buy our entry level adjustable 30W 110V soldering iron.
Click here to upgrade to a Genuine Hakko FX-888 adjustable temperature soldering iron.
Solder
You will want rosin core, 60/40 solder. Good solder is a good thing. Bad solder leads to bridging and cold solder joints which can be tough to find.
Click here to buy a spool of leaded solder (recommended for beginners).
Click here to buy a spool of lead-free solder.
You will want rosin core, 60/40 solder. Good solder is a good thing. Bad solder leads to bridging and cold solder joints which can be tough to find.
Click here to buy a spool of leaded solder (recommended for beginners).
Click here to buy a spool of lead-free solder.
Multimeter
You will need a good quality basic multimeter that can measure voltage and continuity.
Click here to buy a basic multimeter.
Click here to buy a top of the line multimeter.
Click here to buy a pocket multimeter.
You will need a good quality basic multimeter that can measure voltage and continuity.
Click here to buy a basic multimeter.
Click here to buy a top of the line multimeter.
Click here to buy a pocket multimeter.
Flush Diagonal Cutters
You will need flush diagonal cutters to trim the wires and leads off of components once you have soldered them in place.
Click here to buy our favorite cutters.
You will need flush diagonal cutters to trim the wires and leads off of components once you have soldered them in place.
Click here to buy our favorite cutters.
Solder Sucker
Strangely enough, that's the technical term for this desoldering vacuum tool. Useful in cleaning up mistakes, every electrical engineer has one of these on their desk.
Click here to buy a one.
Strangely enough, that's the technical term for this desoldering vacuum tool. Useful in cleaning up mistakes, every electrical engineer has one of these on their desk.
Click here to buy a one.
Helping Third Hand With Magnifier
Not absolutely necessary but will make things go much much faster, and it will make soldering much easier.
Pick one up here.
Not absolutely necessary but will make things go much much faster, and it will make soldering much easier.
Pick one up here.
Page last edited March 07, 2013
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