How I did it: I bought the Soldering Starter Mini Kit from the Nerd's Nook

It comes with everything yo need to get started soldering as well as two easy projects. I jumped right into the easier of the two projects: the "VELLEMAN Sa MK102 Flashing Leds Project Kit". I have not started the second project, but I have already ordered new projects to work on.

I had the project completed in less than 30 minutes and now I am hooked. So many more projects I have in mind and with a little more learning I should even be able to figure how to make them from scratch.

Lessons & tips: I learned one important point about soldering. I had some issues with the solder joining the leads/wire to the board. It is important to heat both of these before you touch the solder to the soldering iron. This will ensure a proper and secure connection is made between the board and the individual components.

Resources:

• I found this How To Solder tutorial very helpful.

• Additionally, the ABC of Electronic site has lots of information in a very easy to follow format.

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Jul 15, 2011, 09:07AM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers