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Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : Suggestions for new users

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James_From_Canb

Senior Member

Joined: 19/06/2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 265

Posted: 08:36pm 29 Nov 2012

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There are a lot of experienced MM/DM users on this forum.

Given this is one of the first places that new users will look, what would you recommend that they get for their parts kit, where can they get it from, and why is it likely to be useful?

I'll start with some:

Soldering / Prototyping
A temperature controlled soldering station
A fine tip for the soldering iron
A solder sucker and solder absorbing braid
A magnifying glass on a stand (optional)
A stand with spring loaded clamps for holding circuit boards (optional)
One or more prototyping boards

Where from? Any electronics shop (Altronics, Dick Smith, Jaycar etc), eBay.

Why? Good soldering gear helps you to make good soldered joints. I used to be an expert at creating bad joints. Good gear is helping me get better. Prototyping boards don't need soldering, and setting up circuits is quick and easy.

My mind is aglow with whirling, transient nodes of thought careening through a cosmic vapor of invention.

Hedley Lamarr, Blazing Saddles (1974)

JohnS
Guru

Joined: 18/11/2011
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 4038

Posted: 10:17pm 29 Nov 2012

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For a beginner it may be best to buy a pre-built board and get used to both MMBasic and simple add-on circuits external to the pre-built board.

Later, consider DIY build (if interested) and use the original board to compare with when problems occur, if they do.

JohnEdited by JohnS 2012-12-01

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