***Official Electronics Thread of Officialness (it starts off with lots of Nixie Tube Clock goodness

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So, say I wanted to start out with electronics and soldering in particular (I've given that a go before but I'm pants), can anyone suggest some beginner kits (or projects where the parts are relatively cheap and easy to get hold of) and a decent soldering iron to get me started? Not really too fussed about what they are, would just like to learn the basics of assembling them and also about how the components interact with one another. :)
 
Velleman kits are what you want. I have build some decent kits with them. Can do anything from simple to expensive and useful.

As for a soldering iron, a decent soldering station is much better than the standalone irons.
 
What would be a decent soldering station to look for? Some of them look kinda pricey, although the adjustable temperatures would certainly be handy.

Just looking at the Velleman kits now and some of them look great. Thanks for that! :)
 
JHeaton said:
What would be a decent soldering station to look for? Some of them look kinda pricey, although the adjustable temperatures would certainly be handy.

Just looking at the Velleman kits now and some of them look great. Thanks for that! :)
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Adjustable temps are less important compared to technique and the ability to change tips.

Key considerations I'd look at would be:

- Interchangeable tips (you want a large and small bevel and a point as a minimum selection really)
- Electrical (gas ones are "make do" for when you can't get access to electricity)
- Decent stand - metal around the heating element and a water bath/sponge holder

You can spend daft money on a soldering setup, but to start with I'd recommend something in line with skills and interest, you can always upgrade in the future.
 
JHeaton said:
All righty. I'll do some looking around and see if I can find something that looks good, then report back here. Thanks guys. :)
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Try these:

http://www.rapidonline.com/Tools-Eq...201/?sid=c75beffd-ea24-44da-8bd7-84bf39c9c7dd

http://www.rapidonline.com/Tools-Eq...322/?sid=c75beffd-ea24-44da-8bd7-84bf39c9c7dd

They seem to last very well in schools so it's safe to say they are built to last. Go for a silicone cable if you're going 230v as it can be easy to lose concentration and have the cable spring onto the iron!

For kits, try here:

http://www.esr.co.uk/frame-kits-modules.htm
 
I cracked and bought that VU meter I mentioned. :o

VU.jpg


:D
 
JHeaton said:
What would be a decent soldering station to look for? Some of them look kinda pricey, although the adjustable temperatures would certainly be handy.
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I have an adjustable temperature soldering station that I picked up from the well known highstreet store. It's normally about £60 but it was on offer just after Xmas a few years ago for £30. It's no Antex or Weller but it's good enough for just about anything you'd need to do.
 
Finished the VU Meter to match my amp that I posted earlier the other day. :)

MrNixie%20VU.jpg



The picture and video don't really do it justice. The bars on the tubes are a lot sharper when you look at it. Might try and get a video with a better song if I can find a decent camera to record it with.

Phate said:
Thinking of giving this a go as my first project!

http://makeprojects.com/Project/Luminch-One/1773/1#s9212

Saw it on Engadget, I reckon it'll compliment my room very well, shouldn't cost too much to make either.
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I like that a lot. Might have to make one in the future too. :)
 
Lots of pictures to come in the future hopefully.
Building a quadcopter by the way, multiwii with TG3200/BMA180/BMP085/HCL5883L.
Using the Paris breakout with arduino pro mini. 18A ESC, 12 A motors, Wood frame with carbon fiber legs.
 
I am after a comprehensive arduino starter kit. I will be controlling motors, relays etc. Ideally one with timer circuits build in. This will be stage one to learn the programming and how it works.

Recommend me one!
 
orderoftheflame said:
Keep us posted on how you get on. :) Quite interested in this one.
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Definitely. :)



Cheers. :) I'll try and borrow a decent camera, that video does it no justice whatsoever. :o
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So that VU meter, is that only for that amp that you built next to it? or can it be plugged into others? :) - Oh wait, just read the posts...looks brilliant either way!
 
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Phate said:
So that VU meter, is that only for that amp that you built next to it? or can it be plugged into others? :) - Oh wait, just read the posts...looks brilliant either way!
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It has a pair of 3.5mm jacks, so you can use it with whatever you want. It just matches the amp. :)

There's much better videos of it in action in the links in those posts.
 
When surface mounting an arduino pro mini, do I just solder the headers onto the top of the arduino pro, then just flip the PCB over and solder it on the other side?
 
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