![]() It also can measure current, resistance, test diodes and continuity with a buzzer (useful for checking coils!), roughly measure the value of capacitors, and do some basic frequency measurements. At about $25, the pictured (left) MASTECH AC/DC Auto/Manual Range Digital Multimeter will measure AC and DC volts up to a higher range than you’ll ever likely need. A homeowner’s multimeter isn’t a good choice for these repairs, but even an inexpensive digital multimeter will be more accurate than most of the tools in a repair shop back in the day. You’ll use the multimeter to make a few circuit tests, including checking for the correct voltage at a few points in the circuit, and for measuring the value of resistors. Be sure never to use acid-core solder as you’ll damage your device, acid-core solder is only suitable for plumbing. Tenma makes a very nice 96.5% tin, 3% silver, 0.5% copper solder (right). Silver-bearing solder forms joints with a lower resistance tube radios won’t really benefit but some high-end vintage hi-fi gear can benefit. If you’re going to be doing work on sensitive audio or RF circuits, some kinds of solder can offer a little better performance. Standard tin/lead solder comes in a several varieties 60/40 and 63/37 are pretty common and there’s not a major difference. Wash your hands after soldering and you’ll be fine using traditional lead solder, like this basic 60/4o Electrical Repair Solder (left). There’s new RoHS-compliant (“lead free”) solder out there, but personally I find it’s more difficult to work with. Rosin Core Solder is the right kind for electronics and includes flux inside for a good connection. You’re also going to want the right kind of solder. I use the Hakko FX888D in my shop, and it’s fantastic. If you’ve got deeper pockets, Hakko makes excellent professional-grade soldering products like the FX888D digital soldering station (right) which has a digital temperature control, and you can get dozens of different size and shape tips and replacement parts very easily. For about $20, you can upgrade to a Velleman 50W adjust able soldering station (center) which has a handy cleaning pad and soldering iron holder built in. I’d recommend spending a little more, though, to gain temperature control and easier replacement parts if you need a new tip or heating element. Stay away from any of the “cold heat” soldering tools which aren’t very effective for this kind of work, and stay away from any gas-powered soldering iron as those are more suited for plumbing or off-the-grid work.įor electronics repair, you can get started with a no-frills soldering iron for under $10 (left). While it might seem counter-intuitive, too small of a soldering iron is actually a bigger problem than too big! I recommend a soldering iron around 50W for most hobbyist applications. You need to make sure you get an iron that will be durable enough, and produce enough heat, to quickly melt the solder and heat up joints without taking too long and causing “heat soak” which can damage other near-by components you’re not actively working on. Probably the most important item on this list, you’ll use the soldering iron to make connections between wires and components. ![]() If you’ll be working on electronics a little more often than that, you’ll want to spend a little more for more durable tools, but they’re still pretty affordable.īelow are some tools I’ve selected which will help you get through your first project and then some: You do only need a few things to get started: a soldering iron, a multimeter, a wire clipper, a wire stripper, and some basic safety gear. If you’re a casual hobbyist who will do a few projects a year, you can get started for under $100. Picking the wrong tool for the job will give you a frustrating repair experience at best, or could even damage your project. There’s a lot of equipment out there, and if you’re starting out it’s not always easy to tell what’s good from what’s garbage. A few people have asked me variations of “What tools do I need to fix my first radio?”, “What do I need to put together this soldering kit?”, and such.
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