Technoholic

HOBBY ELECTRONICS for starters.....!!!

List of stuff you need before you can start blowing up some fuses.

1.A Soldering Iron

There are quite a few fancy soldering iron available in market but the one I recommend would be a basic 25-35 watt (chisel headed). The chisel head is a better option as it transfers heat to components faster and accurately.

This soldering irons are cheap and are good for learners and even hobbyist as its easy to get new one after you burn a few.

NEED HELP in SOLDERING :-

Here are a few video you might like to look at:

2. A soldering Stand:

It is recommended as it prevents burned hands and mishaps (believe me with this one ).

Its quite cheap and you can even dare to make one at home. Below is what it might look like

3. Solder

Its obvious, I would agree for this one. You would get it at any electronics shop.

And NO,you cant make this one at home.Also get some flux (solder paste). The video above tells why its so important.

4.De-Solder Pump

Most of hobbyist can avoid this tool but for starters its a must. If you have tried soldering already ,you would know what disasters could happen, like those sweet elliptical solder lumps. This tool might not help you to save much components but it does keep up your soldering spirit. (needed to be a hobbyist).

5. A multimeter

Now this is the part where most of the people go wrong. DONT go for those Chinese ones, they are not reliable and neither they last long.

What things to take care:

• Fuse protected terminals.(most of multimeter are destroyed due to lack of this.....try connecting a DC or AC source to resistance measurement setting to see what I mean. )
• Prefer a back-light option as you might need it if you work late nights like me.
• A hold option, you would see its importance when you start using a multimeter.(especially when working in a team).

6. Insulating and Masking tapes

I guess I needn't talk much about these ones .... never-mind have a look at them again for sake of those rusty wires.

7. Tools

Below are some must have tools (would come handy when you start working)

Wire Stripper :

You would surely buy one after you get tried of stripping wires with knives, blades or even with teeth.(Suggestion : buy one and be smart).

A Wire Nipper:

Or whatever they call it. Its my favorite tools when it comes to wire tools. Its cuts accurately and also very small and handy to work with.

Tweezers:

Try to grab one of most available medium sizes as this is something you cant do without. Especially if you have large hands and not much efficient to handle small components.

"Don't stop at burned fuse but ignite a spark within"

Ok friends this was my checklist for things you must have before you start hobby electronics.

There may be may tools and cool stuff available so you just need to experiment for what suits you best and also what is the requirement. Feel free to share your tools sets and also ideas.