Library MakerSpace: Electronics and Soldering
Soldering Overview
What Is Soldering?
Soldering describes the process of joining metal parts together by melting a filler metal, called solder, into the joint. Solder is a metal alloy made of tin and one or more other metals, such as lead, zinc, or silver. The ratio of alloy in the solder affects the melting point and plastic range. To solder correctly, it is necessary to know what kind of solder alloy you are using to heat the iron to the correct temperature.
Soldering Iron in the Library MakerSpace
Hakko-FX888D Digital Soldering Station
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The MakerSpace offers a Hakko-FX888D Digital Soldering Station. The Hakko boasts an adjustable temperature control with a range of 120° - 899°F with a digital display. We have lead free solder wire and coated wire spools available for use, as well as two multimeters.
Walk-ins Welcome
There is no formal reservation system in place to use the soldering station. We do require that patrons complete a short in-person training and sign a liability form before using the soldering iron for the first time. We also require that patrons wear closed toed shoes and the proper safety glasses when soldering, which you can find in the labeled drawers nearby.
Soldering Tutorials
- How to Solder: Through-Hole SolderingThis blog tutorial goes over the basics of through-hole soldering, such as the tools needed to get started as well as tips and tricks to tackle any soldering problem.
- Tech Will Save Us: Soldering Stories!These videos provide a short overview of basic soldering techniques.
Soldering Station Safety
Soldering Iron Usage and Safety Considerations
- Tie back any loose hair.
- Keep loose clothing and jewelry away from the iron.
- Wear safety glasses.
- Turn on a fan. Do not inhale vapors from melted solder.
- Wash hands after use.
If injury occurs, students should contact Campus Health Services @ 919-966-2281. Faculty/Staff should contact the University Employee Occupational Health Clinic @ 919-966-9119. For minor injuries, ask a staff member for the first aid kit.
FAQ and Policies
Answer: We require patrons who have not soldered before to watch the training videos listed above and come for an in-person orientation with a staff member. We require all patrons to sign a liability waiver to use the soldering station.
Answer: Yes, we have a limited number of Weevil Eye beginner kits as well as breadboards to prototype your circuits.
Answer: Yes! We have lead-free rosin core solder available in the Library Makerspace. It’s located in the labeled drawers under the soldering station.
Answer: We require patrons using the soldering iron to wear safety glasses as well as tie back any loose hair. We also require patrons to wear closed toed shoes while soldering. You do not have to wear a mask or gloves when soldering, just make sure to turn the fan on at the station and wash your hands after using.
Additional Learning
Learn to Solder by
Learn the fundamentals of soldering--and pick up an essential skill for building electronic gadgets. You'll discover how to preheat and tin your iron, make a good solder joint, desolder cleanly (when things don't quite go right), and how to use helping hands to hold components in place. This concise book is part of MAKE's Getting Started with Soldering Kit. Using the tools in the kit and some electronic components, you can practice soldering while making fun blinky objects. Then show the world you just learned a new skill by wearing the Learn to Solder Skill Badge. Learn how to prepare your workspace Get to know the components you'll work with Use the best methods for soldering components in place Experience the perfect solder joint Know how to desolder when things don't work the first time Heat up the iron and start soldering today!
ISBN: 9781449337247Publication Date: 2012-06-19
Getting Started with Soldering by
Getting Started with Soldering not only teaches new makers and experimenters the core principles of soldering, it also functions as an excellent reference and resource for beginners and more advanced makers alike. The book guides readers through the fundamentals of soldering, explains the tools and materials, demonstrates proper techniques, and shows how to fix mistakes or broken connections. It even includes guidance on more advanced techniques such as surface-mount soldering for electronics. From choosing the right soldering iron to making perfect connections, readers will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to form a strong foundation for a lifetime of making. Soldering is a core concept in making, electronics prototyping, and home repairs The many different types of soldering -- requiring different materials and tools -- are explained with easy-to-follow instructions Full-color photographs and illustrations throughout create a visually engaging format for learning Pricing and technical considerations help readers select the best tools for their budgets and needs Troubleshooting guidelines show how to repair solder connections that have failed from improper technique or from age
ISBN: 9781680453843Publication Date: 2017-11-14
Electronic Circuits for the Evil Genius 2/e by
Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product. The Fiendishly Fun Way to Master Electronic Circuits! Fully updated throughout, this wickedly inventive guide introduces electronic circuits and circuit design, both analog and digital, through a series of projects you'll complete one simple lesson at a time. The separate lessons build on each other and add up to projects you can put to practical use. You don't need to know anything about electronics to get started. A pre-assembled kit, which includes all the components and PC boards to complete the book projects, is available separately from ABRA electronics on Amazon. Using easy-to-find components and equipment, Electronic Circuits for the Evil Genius, Second Edition, provides hours of rewarding--and slightly twisted--fun. You'll gain valuable experience in circuit construction and design as you test, modify, and observe your results--skills you can put to work in other exciting circuit-building projects. Electronic Circuits for the Evil Genius: Features step-by-step instructions and helpful illustrations Provides tips for customizing the projects Covers the underlying electronics principles behind the projects Removes the frustration factor--all required parts are listed, along with sources Build these and other devious devices: Automatic night light Light-sensitive switch Along-to-digital converter Voltage-controlled oscillator Op amp-controlled power amplifier Burglar alarm Logic gate-based toy Two-way intercom using transistors and op amps Each fun, inexpensive Genius project includes a detailed list of materials, sources for parts, schematics, and lots of clear, well-illustrated instructions for easy assembly. The larger workbook-style layout and convenient two-column format make following the step-by-step instructions a breeze. Make Great Stuff! TAB, an imprint of McGraw-Hill Professional, is a leading publisher of DIY technology books for makers, hackers, and electronics hobbyists.
ISBN: 9780071744126Publication Date: 2010-10-15
Make: Wearable Electronics by
What if your clothing could change color to complement your skin tone, respond to your racing heartbeat, or connect you with a loved one from afar? Welcome to the world of shoes that can dynamically shift your height, jackets that display when the next bus is coming, and neckties that can nudge your business partner from across the room. Whether it be for fashion, function, or human connectedness, wearable electronics can be used to design interactive systems that are intimate and engaging. Make: Wearable Electronics is intended for those with an interest in physical computing who are looking to create interfaces or systems that live on the body. Perfect for makers new to wearable tech, this book introduces you to the tools, materials, and techniques for creating interactive electronic circuits and embedding them in clothing and other things you can wear. Each chapter features experiments to get you comfortable with the technology and then invites you to build upon that knowledge with your own projects. Fully illustrated with step-by-step instructions and images of amazing creations made by artists and professional designers, this book offers a concrete understanding of electronic circuits and how you can use them to bring your wearable projects from concept to prototype.
ISBN: 9781449336516Publication Date: 2014-09-30
Project Ideas
Looking for an Easy Project to Get Started?
Check out the link below!
- Autodesk InstructablesThis website offers soldering project ideas and tutorials at a range of skill levels.