New from S. CA

[Thanantos]

Hello all,

I have been poking around the forum unofficially for the last 6 months (reading, researching, and trying to become familiar with the terminology). I have finally decided to join and take my ideas and make them come to fruition. I will continue to read and look for answers myself whenever possible. I love the amount of information here although it can be daunting.

I will openly state up front that I do not have any background in electronics and I am a neophyte to say the least, so any assistance (and definitely your patience) is greatly appreciated. Plainly, the wiring diagrams look like ancient Sanskrit to me, but I am sure with research and input from this wonderful community, I can begin to become literate enough to build some really cool projects.

[Forgetful Jedi Knight]

Welcome to the Forums!

[Silver Serpent]

Agreed. Welcome to the forums. Understanding of the wiring diagrams can take a little time, but it makes a lot more sense when you have the parts laid out in front of you.

[setelf3of5]

Welcome!

[Thanantos]

Thank you all for the welcome, it is appreciated. I have been creating a graphic/parts list as the foundation to my work in progress prior to posting for feedback/critic. After I implement the feedback/critic, I plan on taking Silver Serpent's advice and laying out all the parts in conjunction with the wiring diagram.

[Whi-ja]

Welcome!! Get some practice soldering, and you'll be fine. And SS is straight up right: plan it out, draw it out, lay it out, maybe even do a dry assembly on hardware before you put iron to solder. It sounds like you've paid your dues reading the forums, and the folks here are incredibly helpful and encouraging. Have fun, and happy building!

[Thanantos]

A dry run and practicing soldering are excellent ideas, thanks. I did notice a thread comment about soldering irons versus soldering guns and it appears a soldering iron is preferable. Any thoughts or ideas?

[Whi-ja]

I believe the community will back me up on the assertion that a quality soldering iron (Weller is a popular brand here) with a small tip is easier to manipulate than a soldering gun and much more precise than the fat tips usually on guns. For learning soldering technique, Google and YouTube are your allies. Good luck!

[Silver Serpent]

Soldering guns are a big no-no for delicate electronics work. Stick with the irons. I use Weller myself, and love them to death. I hear good things about Hakko, and they tend to be less expensive than the Wellers. So if cost is a big concern, that's an option.

[Thanantos]

Thank you both, with each post I get an even more refined picture of how to proceed.