Hi all, Looking for kits -- SMD and throughhole - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Thor214
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 03:00:25 am
content: Hi everybody!First time on the forum, long time YT channel viewer. I am looking for some simple (or even slightly complex) kits to get my soldering skills up a little bit.I understand the soldering process and the basic physics involved, as well as replacing caps on a glut of free computer monitors, and soldering a shit load of audio and DMX lighting cables (TRS/TR, XLR3/XLR5). I really just want some experience putting some stuff together (plus it'll give me something to do on those days I just have no clue about what I want to do).Thanks for the anticipated feedback, and I look forward to your replies!-Thor

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 03:16:29 am
content: OK, some other people here might bash me for this, but there are some reasonably priced kits for things to put together at Radio Shack and Fry's. Not EXCELLENTLY priced, but not too bad.This is a good kit:http://www.ladyada.net/make/ybox2/And I think you can find others there and at adafruit too.

author: Thor214
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 03:20:14 am
content: Quote from: duskglow on June 20, 2013, 03:16:29 amThat looks like a very interesting kit. I will have to look into it.Thanks!

author: johnboxall
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 03:56:46 am
content: Quote from: Thor214 on June 20, 2013, 03:00:25 amI've built and reviewed a few kits -http://tronixstuff.wordpress.com/kitreviews/

author: KarlMonster
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 07:17:35 am
content: I was building this kit when I reached a soldering breakthrough of my own. The current version is different than that pictured. If you plan on working with inductors in the future, this is quite handy.http://electronics-diy.com/lc_meter.phpAlas, I haven't finished mine yet. I'm still fussing about what to do with the 2 header pins for test leads, and the two header pins for power. [The kit offers no guidance for either.] I want mine to run on batteries or from a power supply, and I'm designing a pair of static clips instead of test leads - so that curves in the leads don't add to measured inductance.For my next project, I'm considering theDMMCheck Plus.

author: notsob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 08:32:34 am
content: Try and make some items that will be of use later. As you have already been repairing monitors, perhaps an ESR meter, here's an analog display ESR meter.http://www.users.on.net/~endsodds/esr.htm(if you want the parts kit try Aztronics in Adelaide SA.http://shop.aztronics.com.au/Also lots of details here on test type equipment you can make.http://www.users.on.net/~endsodds/

author: Thor214
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 21, 2013, 09:08:14 pm
content: Thanks to everyone who replied. I ordered a $25 kit, and now have to wait until my paycheck clears (supposed to this morning at midnight) to order a good soldering station.Thanks!

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2013, 10:11:42 pm
content: What kit did you order and what soldering station are you thinking of getting? How much do you have to spend on one?

author: TerminalJack505
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2013, 10:12:32 pm
content: Quote from: duskglow on June 20, 2013, 03:16:29 amLast time I was in Radio Shack they had several kits on clearance. Pretty reasonably priced. A lot of the Arduino shields were on clearance as well.You might even be able to pick one up "on the house." Apparently there was a class action lawsuit against Radio Shack and they are making $10 vouchers available aspart of the settlement.

author: Thor214
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 21, 2013, 10:59:06 pm
content: Quote from: ben_r_ on June 21, 2013, 10:11:42 pmI got this kithttp://jimmieprodgers.com/kits/apc/because I am a sucker for audio stuff (live/recording audio is my speciality), and am looking at something along these lines for a soldering stationhttp://www.amazon.com/Hakko-FX888-FX-888-Soldering-Station/dp/B004M3U0VU/.I appreciate any thoughts and suggestions. (Also, USA based, since shipping from Australia ain't cheap)

author: notsob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2013, 01:59:53 am
content: Probably would be a good idea to change your profile to being located in the USA so we know where you are.

author: Thor214
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 22, 2013, 03:39:51 am
content: Quote from: notsob on June 22, 2013, 01:59:53 amThat sounds like an excellent idea. Thank you.

author: Thor214
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 03, 2014, 09:27:16 pm
content: Quote from: ben_r_ on June 21, 2013, 10:11:42 pmI purchased an analogue Hakko FX888 before they were hard to get (it was still $10 (USD) more than the digital version). How I wish I had one back when our concert venue first opened. I soldered way too many 5-pin and 3-pin XLR cables with a $10 Weller iron to count. That and a set of helping hands or a tiny vice would have been great back then, too.My advice to anyone looking at the Hakko irons: Based upon slight dislike for the digital interface, spend the extra $20 or so to get an analogue version. They've been discontinued, but there are still some for sale out there.

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2014, 04:51:49 am
content: Quote from: Thor214 on January 03, 2014, 09:27:16 pmGood choice! Now put that bad boy to work!