Hardware Hacking Projects for Geeks

7

Introduction

How to solder

Now that you have a basic idea of how to read a schematic diagram, it’s time

to use this newly won knowledge to build a circuit by soldering the parts

together.

You will need several tools before you start: some solder, a soldering iron,

solder remover, and all of the parts of the circuit you intend to build. If you

are not familiar with these items, refer to Figure I-4. From left to right you

can see a soldering iron, solder, and solder wick.

I believe in learning by doing, so let’s build a simple project to get the hang

of soldering. For this mini-project you will need the following items:

• A soldering iron (Weller WM120 or Radio Shack Part #64-2055)

• Solder (Radio Shack Part #64-015)

• Solder remover (Radio Shack Part #64-2090)

• Prototype board (Radio Shack Part #276-147)

• An LED (Radio Shack Part #276-316)

• A 4.7K resistor (Radio Shack Part #271-1124)

• A battery connector (Radio Shack Part #270-324)

• A pushbutton switch (Radio Shack Part #275-618)

• Wire cutters

Solder

I like to use Multicore No-Clean solder

(http://www.multicore.com) with a

0.5mm diameter. This solder has a

built-in flux that does not leave a vis-

ible residue. However, there are many

brands available, and most of those

sold by reputable distributors should

work well.

Soldering Irons

For small electronics work, choose a

low-wattage, fine-tip iron. I like the

Weller WM120 12-watt iron. It comes

with a small tip and heats up quickly.

There are many different brands of

irons: Weller, Metcal (the Cadillac of

irons), and Hakko to name a few. You

don’t need an expensive iron to start

out with, but I recommend getting one

of these brands. Your soldering iron

will (hopefully) get extensive use, and

there is no substitute for a quality tool.

I also have a more powerful 75-watt

soldering iron from Weller (Model #

7200PK Soldering Gun Kit) for solder-

ing bigger items.

Figure I-4: Soldering tools

The Basics

part1.indd 7

1/13/2002 2:51:26 PM