My Beginners Shopping List! ^^  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Lisbeth
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2015, 02:10:44 pm
content: So, since my 21st birthday is coming up, I decided instead of of spending it all getting drunk(21 is legal drinking age in my state and country), I want to get back into electronics again.I have devised a shopping list from Adafruit.com that is at 200$ almost to the button, and thatprice gives free shipping. So 200$ is my budget, and these are the items I plan to get:I took Dave's advice on getting a Hakko, it's not the one on his amazon store that comes with thesnippers but the snips on the site anyway so all good. The first build I wanna make is the TV-B-Gone,really basic and cool for soldering beginners. I didn't want to get some cheap or handle to wall iron thatwould barely work, I wanted something that's dependable and highly recommended. The goggles? BecauseI like goggles.If you guys have any recommendations on what I should get or shouldn't get, lemme know! ^^

author: rob77
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2015, 02:16:37 pm
content: $15 for 50g of lead-free solder ? i'm buying 250g (5 times that) for 20Eur ($20-25).and anyways - buy leaded solder for hobby use.

author: Lisbeth
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2015, 02:21:03 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on April 24, 2015, 02:16:43 pmI will definitely get a flux pen, but as for the part boxes, wires, multimeter and tape, I can go to my local restore for spare parts to settle that. Besides, I can't buy EVERYTHING from an online store. ;3

author: Lisbeth
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2015, 02:23:20 pm
content: Quote from: rob77 on April 24, 2015, 02:16:37 pmLeaded solder, got it! ^^ Where did you buy your solder OOC?Added: Oh! Another thing! THe reason for the price of the solder is because it has 3% Silver in it.

author: PSR B1257
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2015, 02:23:38 pm
content: You should not by that lead-free solder wire, especially as a beginner. Sn60Pb40witha flux core (or similar) is much more solder-friendly.Different tips for the solder station is always a good idea. You should also buy a wide chisel type.And perhaps some tinned copper wire (0,5mm is a reasonable diameter).

author: Lisbeth
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2015, 02:26:18 pm
content: Quote from: PSR B1257 on April 24, 2015, 02:23:38 pmI'll try to get my hands on that kind of solder, again not sold on the Adafruit site but I will try to get it online somewhere else.As for the tip is concerned, I completely agree. That tip was the only one they had that has the chisel end.

author: smjcuk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2015, 02:36:43 pm
content: You can get cheap loctite branded 60/40 multicore on eBay regularly. Stuff is dirt cheap and nice to work with. Lead free stuff is a bastard IMHO.Make sure you get some IPA to clean the flux off with a toothbrush. Not a used one

author: Lisbeth
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2015, 02:43:07 pm
content: Quote from: smjcuk on April 24, 2015, 02:36:43 pmNoted! ^^ Thanks so much!

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2015, 04:04:19 pm
content: Tequipmenthas the Hakko for $84.46 and you might even get the eevblog discount on top. Try also for free shipping by building up your total to over a $100 with them as well.This will also reduce your postage from Adafruit on heavy items and could save about $30 and cover solder and perhaps a couple of tips.

author: Lisbeth
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2015, 04:30:40 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on April 24, 2015, 04:04:19 pmHOLY CRAP. Thanks!!!

author: LaurentR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2015, 10:21:25 pm
content: Quote from: Lisbeth on April 24, 2015, 04:30:40 pmAdafruit often runs 10% off on Wednesdays after "ask an engineer". Subscribe to their stream on G+ and you'll get the notifications.

author: Lisbeth
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2015, 10:45:55 pm
content: I wanna give a big THANK YOU for all the suggestions and tips! ^^I'll let you guys know what I get in May and maybe make a video of the TV-B-Goneconstruction. Either way, thanks again!!

author: tequipment
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2015, 04:52:39 pm
content: Thanks for the business! We give very personal customer service and very aggressive pricing. Buy from people, not the internet!ThanksEvanTEquipment.NET

author: chibiace
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2015, 05:28:59 pm
content: i'd skip the vice unless you really need it, get a flux pen, solder sucker and a multimeter

author: netdudeuk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2015, 07:26:26 pm
content: I'd be inclined to agree regarding the vice. I find it helpful to steady my hand on the desk when soldering and you probably can't do that with the board in a vice.

author: netdudeuk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2015, 07:29:06 pm
content: I should add that I used a toothbrush for the first time with IPA yesterday. It cost just £0.75 for three supermarket brand soft ones and it cleaned up some SMD work a treat. All the flux gone, shiny joints and no residue, unlike when I used my eBay 'anti-static' brush.

author: smjcuk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2015, 09:04:28 pm
content: Quote from: netdudeuk on April 29, 2015, 07:29:06 pmThey're the onesAlso do a good job with some Dettol on those ridges on equipment that gets full of that mysterious brown skank that collects on test gear and makes it sticky (or is that just me)

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2015, 10:52:13 pm
content: Quote from: Lisbeth on April 24, 2015, 02:10:44 pmthe point of legality above certain age is that you are big enough to "think" to not get drunk. even if you are 41 and get drunk, it doesnt get you (or others) away from all the bad things that come from it.

author: Lisbeth
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2015, 11:38:22 pm
content: Quote from: chibiace on April 29, 2015, 05:28:59 pmI'd prefer to have the vice because I have used the heavy duty metal ones and they SCARE me.Also, I'd like to have some extra grip on the boards when I build. The multimeter, I already have oneeven though it's a bit old. But I will buy myself a good brand name one when I get the money for it.

author: BAM5
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2015, 04:16:39 am
content: Hey! Cool to see another younger person in here! (I imagine most of the site to be old pros) I've just had my 23rd birthday and started gathering equipment around 20 or 19.I think I got the same model hakko from frys for around $70. Just looked again, they're $100 now. I believe that was black friday / cyber monday price.Hot Air rework stations are pretty useful too! I use mine for shrink wrapping, getting stickers off of things, and resoldering "broken" circuit boards. (Just a quick heating that is. No reballing (yet))As others have mentioned, flux is really nice to have independent of your solder. Tricks include putting flux on your joint, putting solder on your pen, then just touching the solder pen to the joint and boom, soldered. Another is to add flux to your solder wick, this helps with the, uhm, suckability, of the wick... Personally I got some kester brand flux in a small pen applicator from All-Spec. I also got 2 nice rolls of 63/37 with kester flux. One with rosin flux and one with no clean flux. Also, a note on 63/37 solder is that it has a uniform melting (which also means solidification) point. This (supposedly) allows for better solder joints because both the tin and the lead will solidify at the same time.Breadboard and jumper wires (stranded wire with solid core wires at the end) and jumper bridges (basically just solid core wire that is somewhat hardened to be less flexible) are really helpful for prototyping circuits.A power supply is a good thing too. My first one I built out of an old PC power supply. Had an output for the 12, 5, and 3.3V rail.Oh, oh, saturation, that's a better term than suckability. Another trick for solder wick is to cut off a small piece (inch or so) then hold it with tweezers. This way it heats up faster and the coil isn't acting as a heat sync. Tweezers are for not burning your fingersA couple more advanced products you may want in the future are MCU programmers and an Oscilloscope.An oscilloscope is the next thing on my list, I've gotten many recommendations for the Rigol DS1054z, supposed to be a really good starting scope packed with features for $400 :OOh yeah, I also got a Fluke 87V off ebayMMmm FluuuukeQuote from: smjcuk on April 29, 2015, 09:04:28 pmUh, brown skank... You mean that stuff that also builds up on keyboards? Pretty sure that's your sheded skin cells dude. I pop all the keys off my keyboard and give them a wash every few months.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2015, 04:41:24 am
content: Given the discount code for TEquipment, best to try there first IMHO (PM sent).Get the FX-888D from there, as well as any tips you want as well (makes it easy to meet the free shipping requirement).I can't stress the following enough; Get quality supplies (they're actually cheaper in the long run, and won't cause you the frustration of damaged parts & PCB's the cheap stuff will).Recommendations for supplies:Kester 44, 63/37 w/ 3.3% RA flux by weight, and 0.020"/0.5mm diameterfor solderMG Chemicals Rosin 835for additional flux; buying in the bottle & using brushes, needle bottles, refillable brush or felt pens,... is cheaper than the disposable pensChemtronics Soder-Wick® Rosin SD .080" ESD 5' Spooldesolder wick; good general purpose size for thru-hole

author: smjcuk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2015, 06:10:40 am
content: Quote from: BAM5 on April 30, 2015, 04:16:39 amIts different to that stuff. Gives everything a matte finish and smells like resistors is all I can identify about it.

author: BAM5
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2015, 06:35:10 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on April 30, 2015, 04:41:24 amThis. I told my friend how I fixed my monitor (he has the same model and was having the same issue) and he wanted to attempt it. He borrowed is brother's $5 solder pencil from Wal-Mart and lifted traces and, ugh, eh, yeah, get good equipment and supplies.I now have that board on my desk. Need to repair it and get it back to him still :|That's weird smjcuk, I've yet to encounter gunk like that. Whatever it is, it has to be coming from somewhere!

author: rickselectricalprojects
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2015, 11:41:31 am
content: I would definitely get some helping hands for soldering because they are your best friend when it comes to soldering (apart from the soldering iron) and get some lead solder because lead free solder is hopeless

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 30, 2015, 12:32:17 pm
content: Instead of 60/40, get the 63/37 solder instead. Being eutectic, the melting and freezing point is the same so it solidifies as soon as you remove heat. I think it is easier to solder with. I have both but mostly use the 63/37. I would also keep the vice. I have 3 different Panavices here depending on what I want to do. Also helping hands for soldering smaller wires together. Nanofrog hit the nail on the head, Spend the extra money for quality tools and you won't be disappointed in the long run. You will like the iron. I have the Hakko 936-older analog version. I love it and just got for free a second power supply. Choking on the fact that an iron for it is $67. I am trying to decide to get it and have 2 or put that money in a jar to save up for the FX-951. My preference on flux is liquid flux in small dispensing bottles with needles on them. Whatever you might prefer, get the flux, it definitely helps. Get a decent mulitmeter-very necessary. A power supply will be useful especially if it has multiple adjustable outputs. Good deals can be found on quality used on eBay.

author: smjcuk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2015, 01:52:48 pm
content: I always found that 63/37 leaves spikes when you remove the iron.Clone Aoyue 936 here and very happy with itRegarding power supply, use alkaline batteries due to their internal resistance until you learn not to blow stuff up. PSU can dump some serious amps down stuff. First thing I did when I got one is nearly blow my face off with an inch across electrolytic cap.Then again I'm an idiot so don't take my advice

author: BAM5
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2015, 03:11:06 pm
content: Hahah, your introduction to electronics sounds very exciting smjcuk!Anyway, that's why it's good to get a constant current power supply, that way if you do short it out somewhere it will drop that voltage down so that you never exceed your set current.

author: smjcuk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2015, 03:56:39 pm
content: Definitely! Or if you can't afford that, a shit power supply and a big wire wound resistor for current limiting. I had a 13.8v 7A linear CB radio supply as my first supply hence the explosionI've actually taken to sticking heftyish (1-2W) resistors in line with the supply on my projets to limit current these days as I had a transistor that failed as a short and burned the surrounding components on an RF amp I built. With a current limit resistor this would have resulted in heating and headscratching instead. Plus resistor smoke smells better than transistor smoke.

author: mushroom
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2015, 05:58:07 pm
content: Quote from: Lisbeth on April 24, 2015, 02:10:44 pmOne does not rule out the other !

author: smjcuk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2015, 07:47:13 pm
content: But not at the same time

author: grantbob
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 30, 2015, 10:22:03 pm
content: If you do skip the vise you can always use some Blu-Tak to keep a board from moving around while you solder. I'll also sometimes use some 3M painter's tape to keep larger components in place while soldering. If you do get the vise (which you will want eventually) consider one of the larger Panavise models that can use different heads (Sometimes the circuit board holder can be nice) as well as the larger base tray which gives it some more stability and gives you a place to hold things you're putting on or taking off.Flux rocks. I wish I had known more about it in the 80's.-grantbob

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2015, 10:43:11 pm
content: Quote from: grantbob on April 30, 2015, 10:22:03 pm+1Very nice to have, but it can wait. Especially if budgets are tight. FWIW, I've 3 different heads, and used a scrap steel plate to mount the base (acquired over time). Generally speaking, I'm a fan of used items, but not so much regarding Panavise (3 separate attempts at used were all duds).In the mean time, some tape, blue tack, ... sorts of things as mentioned will help hold things down. Couple of bits of scrap wood of the same thickness will help too (serve as risers between table & PCB to accommodate through hole parts).

author: john_p_wi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 02:55:32 am
content: Guess I'm the odd man out, I mostly do through hole analog / audio stuff and solder standing up using a lighted magnifier on an arm (I'm in my 50's), therefore I do like to use a Panavise. Although the guys I work with who solder smd all day do so on the ESD mat under scopes.My only advice is buy the best test gear and probes / patch cables that you can afford - there is nothing worse than spending time troubleshooting a circuit only to find out it is a test gear or cable issue. In the long run, replacing inferior quality items cost more than buying quality initially, sometimes it is best to wait.