A little help and comments on getting my first tools - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: jcernuda95
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 09, 2016, 11:39:01 am
content: So bit of histoty, then my question.I have live in a small house all my life, luckily, my school and then my college allways had a big ee laboratory with soldering iron etc... and since im a bit lazy i always went there to work.Since my first pay check is coming this month from an intership i will like to use part of that money to start buying some of my own equipment, while using the expensier and better stuff in my college when I need it.I mostly work in robotics although im starting to get into more electronics.For now I have apx a budget of 200-250 with that i want to buy these for things:-Soldering iron-Multimeter-Power supply-Some stock parts but not many and just comon stuffReally i need help with the multimeter and the power supply.I was thinking on buying a good soldering iron like the HAKKO - FX888D although i accept suggestions.The multimeter i was looking for something cheap, i have acces to better ones if nedeed. Probably some model from digikey. Since acording to the multimeter spreedsheet by Wytnucls, they seem to be okeisch.Power supply completly lost in how to look for one or even what i need.Thank you very much

author: omgfire
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2016, 02:01:08 pm
content: Quote from: jcernuda95 on September 09, 2016, 11:39:01 amT12 soldering station $50 (Hakko FX-951 compatible tips)https://www.aliexpress.com/item/110v-220V-digital-Soldering-Iron-Station-Temperature-Controller-T12-Handle/32345223517.htmlHackable DTM0660 multimeter $50: Uni-T UT139C, Uni-T UT210E. If input protection is not required (low voltage, low power): HoldPeak HP890CN ($25), Victor VC921 "True RMS" ($10).Gopher Technology switching power supply $50http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?SearchText=CPS-3205Quality lead solder (63/37 or 62/36/2 with flux core) $20-$40 for a roll, quality solder wick and other stuff:#msg506015

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 09, 2016, 02:58:44 pm
content: I would agree with omgfire on his choices.

author: jcernuda95
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 09, 2016, 04:26:27 pm
content: Impresive, just three hours, i should start reading so much and asking more.But thank to both of you.If i may have two questions, the tips for the soldering iron, should i buy both links, im not understanding what they sell since one shows a picture of 8 tips and the other one of two, should i pic one, the 10 are good but different endings??And second, really funny, i look up the psu in google, fifth result is omgfire teardown of a previous model hahaha, ive read it and you suggest buying some new leads, is that still true? or you dont have any idea, either way i will probably add some stackable leads to reach from the front so i dont mind adding some bananas or whatever someone recommends.And again, thank you for the speed and extensive answer.Edit: osciloscope will be bought next month or maybe two.

author: R005T3r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2016, 05:14:17 pm
content: Regarding the power supply: don't do the mistake to buy cheap $50 ones. Buy them from a reputable brand. If you can't afford to buy new ones, try to give a look at refurbished/used ones, but don't do the mistake to buy cheap things and expect it to don't give you troubles in the future: you are going to regret it someday.Invest in a good PSU: it will last forever and you don't have to brother with it on the future, making projects is hard, and if also your instruments fool you, you are going to waste a lot of time (that you probably don't have that much)If you work on robotics, there's a good chance you will need a dual rail (+/- voltage and current) power supply, and it won''t be that cheap, but all depends on what you are going to do.Also, for the multimeter take a look at:- UNI-T- Amprobe- Fluke (yes, there are some fluke on the $100/200 range)Just be sure it's a true RMS multimeter.Also, in the case you have a very tight budget, remember you don't have to buy everything in 2 weeks, so make a list of things you want, and then save up and one after another buy them. The secret is not to break the bank and be patient for good stuff...For the soldering iron tips: take chisel type ones, conical tips are useless in most applications.For the oscilloscope: take an analog one, there's time for expensive digital ones.

author: MosherIV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2016, 05:29:03 pm
content: HiYou mentioned internship, it is worth asking around in the place you work if they are disposing of stuff and if you can have it instead.I have picked muck of my kit this way

author: omgfire
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2016, 05:40:39 pm
content: Quote from: jcernuda95 on September 09, 2016, 04:26:27 pmYou hold a handle in your hand and you touch solder with a tip. That link include one station, one handle and one tip (T12-K). For T12 tip nomenclature look at this link:http://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fx951_tips.htmlYou may find Shape D (chisel) and Shape K useful. Really bad solder is impossible to use no matter how good your soldering iron is. Don't skimp on solder.Quote from: jcernuda95 on September 09, 2016, 04:26:27 pmLeads which come with my Gopher CPS-3010 were unsuitable for 10A. I use leads from Frankyhttp://stores.ebay.com/99centhobbies