Electronics Nuts Advice?

[PineappleMama]

So we got DS an "Electronics Lab" last year for Christmas and he's loving it (yes, still, amazing) and figure maybe we can ratchet that up a notch this year... but what to buy?

I know how to solder but not a clue what specific iron would be good for electronics...
What bits and bobs?
Workbench in the garage, or some little one for his room?

Any ideas, recommendations, all appreciated.

Oh, and he's 12... so while I encourage his interests I also want them as safe as possible... luck favors the prepared and all that jazz.

 

[Organics North]

Hi,
Do you have Radio Shack down your way? That is a good place for electronic supplies.

It depends what he wants to do..
The basic tools of the trade are a plug in soldering iron. A solder sucker. Small pliers. Side cutters. A multi meter. (To measure resistance and voltages.)

Kits galore on the internet, it depends on his interests. Robot building? Home security (motion sensing) Automating the chicken coop door?

All can be fun projects..

I went to tec school for electo-mechanical, got a good job and was very successful in that field for many years, and still can go back to it any time I wanted too..

ON

 

[PineappleMama]

Quote:
Sounds like a good list to start with...

On the specifics though... the 'lab' he has makes a horn, a harp, a speaker... this that an the other little projects... he's indicated interest in robotics too...

We DO have a Radio Shack... more than one actually... so I'll take a gander. Thanks for that list!!

 

[Spookwriter]

Yes, Radio shack would be a good starting place.

But don't overlook a nice science kit.

I had them both growin up, and they kind of go hand in hand
with each other. I would think you could find some pretty decent
catalogs, with a wide selection.

Either way, an excellent choice in "toys" for your son.

 

[StupidBird]

my family geek goes to garage sales looking for interesting bits - little devices, motors, old computers - and strips out "usable" parts for his frankenstein gizmos and computer.

I'd keep the soldering iron out of the bedroom - isn't that stuff still lead and needs lots of fresh air? and being a fire hazard...both my teen's room and the iron.

 

[Organics North]

Quote:

YES good point. (About the fire hazard that is..) The flux used in soldering makes some smoke, a big room or ventilation are a good idea. We require are kids to use the hot glue gun at the kitchen table or in a "public" space in the house, just in case they for get to unplug it. This way some one else may see it and unplug it!

ON

 

[PineappleMama]

^Just what I was thinking... our dining room is the catch all... all the crafts, the mail, the music... makes sense for it to catch this stuff too. But where the devil I'm going to store it... not a clue.

 

[Southernbelle]

Quote:
I put a dresser in the dining room for all the kids craft stuff I was tired of tripping over.

 

[PineappleMama]

We've got those rolly drawer jobbers, and then over that is one of the half doors that used to be in the hall and then there's stuff on that, and in the extra space under the "desk"... and a bookshelf crammed full... and the keyboard and music stand... and of course the actual table, can't forget that...

Amazing, just amazing, just how much CRAP we have.

 

[silkiechicken]

If you can find stuff online that you like, read reviews and get those. Radio Scrap doesn't have nearly the selection and quality as they used to. Plus they are $$$ for some of the basics. 6 bucks for 1.75 ounces of soldier!?! And their irons just don't have the juice to do the job right. Cold solder joints anyone? But perhaps that is just the ones I've been to.

Oh, and for leaded stuff, get it if you can find it. That stuff lasts and when using leaded solder, flows much better.

I played with all kinds of leaded things and electronics when I was a kid. My dad did TV repair at home and often brought stuff back from work. He's been designing analog circuits for Fluke multimeters for the past 4 decades. (Hint, find one that is not RHOS compliant.)