LibGuides: CCL Makerspace: Electronics and Soldering

Soldering

The Hot Air Rework and Soldering Station provides the possibility for a range of electronics projects. The soldering process involves a super heated iron tip that can melt soldering material in order to flow and adhere between two materials, bridging the gap of conductivity in electronics components. Soldering can also be useful in jewelry and decorative projects.

Using a hot air rework station for electronics repair makes component placement and removal from electronics boards easier, with less risk of damage. This station features an adjustable hot air gun than can be directed at a component to melt pre-existing soldered connections.

*Soldering and hot air rework creates harmful fumes and must be done in a well ventilated area, with proper protective equipment such as safety glasses and heat resistant gloves when necessary.

Soldering Tutorial for Beginners: Five Easy Steps - oneTesla - (3:56)

How to replace SMD LED using hot air soldering station - Г. Тончев - (1:56)

How to Solder properly || Through-hole (THT) & Surface-mount (SMD) - GreatScott! - (11:07)

Electronics

Electronics projects will generally fit into three categories: Creation, Modification, and Repair, or a mixture of these. Each category requires a process of problem solving, while learning about the logic and physical attributes that make electronics function.

For instance, someone wanting to create may may start with individual electronics components like transistors, capacitors, resistors and knobs to create a simple audio amplifier circuit. Someone interested in modification could swap LED lights for a custom color in their gaming controller. With a steady hand, someone could repair an electronic device's charging capability by desoldering and soldering in a replacement charging port. There is no shortage of possibilities in this area, especially when combining other Makerspace abilities like 3D printing and laser cutting parts for an electronics project.

Why Do Electronics Die - Techquikie - (5:53)

Essential Electronics Components that you will need for creating projects! - GreatScott! - (11:45)

The Learning Circuit - Circuit Basics - element14 presents - (6:37)

How To Solder; A Complete Beginner's Guide
Makerspaces.com's beginner's guide to soldering, including a free 17 page eBook (PDF), "Learn to Solder Guide"

"Learning how to solder w/ proper soldering techniques is a fundamental skill every maker should master. In this tutorial, we outline the basics of soldering irons, soldering stations, types of solder, desoldering and safety tips. Whether you’re building a robot or working with Arduino, knowing how to solder will come in handy."

iFixit Repair Guides
"iFixit is a wiki-based site that teaches people how to fix almost anything. Anyone can create a repair manual for a device, and anyone can also edit the existing set of manuals to improve them. Our site empowers individuals to share their technical knowledge with the rest of the world."

Instructables - Circuits
"Welcome to the world's most awesome playground for all things making. Learn from the largest collection of how to step-by-step circuits projects anywhere."

Instructables offers a wide variety of community created circuit based projects, and usually includes information on how and where to source the required materials and parts.

Quality Hand Soldering and Circuit Board Repair by H. Ted Smith
Call Number: 621.381531 S649q 2004
ISBN: 1401851894
Publication Date: 2003-12-08
This updated step-by-step reference book provides a successful approach to learning the production and repair of state-of-the-art electronics equipment. Procedures, along with follow-up exercises, cover the basics of hand soldering, wiring, and the components of successful repairs. New to this edition are photographs of several different circuit boards to familiarize the reader with real-life parts. Very easy to read and follow, Quality Hand Soldering and Circuit Board Repair 4E is a must-have for technicians, assembly-line personnel, technologists, Quality Assurance and repair supervisors, as well as professionals who design electronic equipment.

Cost for Electronics and Soldering Station

There is currently no cost for use of the electronics and soldering station. This is a guided service run on a "Bring Your Own Material" basis.

*CCL Makerspace staff will provide guidance for use of the machines and material, but is not responsible for the use or misuse of patron purchased materials.

*Camden-Carroll Library insists that all users abide by local, state, and federal laws at all times, including all applicable United States copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code), as well as all Morehead State University Policies and Student Conduct Codes. It is the responsibility of each user to ensure personal compliance with copyright law. Users must be respectful of the health and safety of other library patrons, and must use good faith in handling all machines, equipment, and materials provided by the library. Library staff reserves the right to deny any Makerspace project request for any reason.