Hobby Electronics: Kits, Robots and Microcontrollers

Soldering iron and solder: soldering is the process by which two pieces of base metal are joined to each other by means of a filler alloy. The tool used to make this type of joint is called a soldering iron, and the alloy from which the connection is made is called a solder. The vast majority of solders are alloys that contain tin, lead, and, sometimes, one or more other metals. The most widely used solders for making electrical connections consist of 60 to 63% tin and 37 to 40% lead.

Desoldering pump: extremely useful for when you make mistakes or bridge pins!

Wire cutter: as the name implies, used for the cutting of wire. An essential tool and extremely useful. These are fairly inexpensive and high quality, but should not be used to cut anything other than copper wire, as steel wire or aluminum will usually cause indentations to be made in the jaws, thus ruining the tool.

Wire stripper: a hand-operated tool designed to cut and remove the insulation from the cut end of an insulated wire, without damaging the solid or stranded wire inside. 20-30AWG is the most common gauge range used in hobby electronics.

Long nose pliers/needle nose pliers: needle nose pliers are perfect for cutting, bending, pulling, prying, holding and in general any work you need to do with wires.

Screwdriver set: for disassembling & reassembling electronics.

Third hand tool: The "Third Hand" is a low cost helper that holds circuit boards in place as you put in components, or if you need to solder delicate parts which require a steady hand.

Electronic kits usually come with detailed instructions, components, schematics and parts lists. These kits are available in a wide range of levels, from the simplest such as sequential LED blinker to more complex circuits. They are available for purchase online from places like Amazon and Jameco Electronics, and also at your nearest Radio Shack. They require use of the tools listed above and are a perfect choice for those learning to solder, as well as beginners to the world of hobby electronics.

Robot kits feature either pre-assembled or unassembled (soldering required) PC boards, hardware and mechanical-drive systems that can be handled by almost anyone from ages 8 and up. Only basic hand tools are required for assembly. These fascinating robotic kits allow you to experience and learn any one of the following features: sound sensor, remote control, infrared sensor, wired control and/or programmable memory.

Since its release in 2006 the Arduino has become a widespread sensation. Beginner and intermediate electronics hobbyists have taken advantage of Arduino's easy interface and programming language to create the most unique and fun projects. Arduino is an open source physical computing platform based on a simple microcontroller and a free user friendly software development environment that implements the Processing/Wiring language.

PICs are popular with both industrial developers and hobbyists alike due to their low cost, wide availability, large user base, extensive collection of application notes, availability of low cost or free development tools, and serial programming (and re-programming with flash memory) capability. PICs come in many (many!) hardware variations to provide different options and the processor is fast enough to implement virtual hardware on the same core chip. PICs are VERY popular and enjoy wide support from many sources (like the picList or MicroChip Forums). Massive volumes of pic source code can be found all over the Internet.

The BASIC Stamp module is a microcontroller developed by Parallax, Inc. which is easily programmed using a form of the BASIC programming language called PBASIC. It is called a "Stamp" simply because it is close to the size of an average postage stamp. It is a self-contained unit with power regulation, processor, reprogrammable application memory, data memory, clocking and I/O built into a 24-pin, DIP format PCB package. The BASIC Stamp microcontroller has prospered in hobby, lower-volume engineering projects and education due to ease of use and a wide support base of free application resources.