Soldering, electronics and arduino
About soldering
Soldering is a versatile and essential technique in the world of electronics. It enables you to efficiently join electronic components using molten metal alloy, known as solder. Whether your focus is on circuit building, electronics repair, crafting innovative gadgets, or designing custom circuit boards, soldering is a foundational skill to have in the fun world of electronics.
Our Library technology spaces, ThinkSpace and CreateSpace, are equipped with soldering irons and Arduino kits.
Equipment booking is free for staff and students.
Learn to solder
1 Register for a workshop
Book into an Intro to Soldering workshop at ThinkSpace or CreateSpace.
2 Organise a safe working environment
Arrange your equipment provided at Library Technology Spaces, including:
- soldering iron (the tool that heats up the solder)
- non-leaded solder (the molten metal alloy)
- a wet sponge or nylon scourer (used to clean the soldering iron)
- and an extraction fan with activated charcoal filter, as shown in the below image.
Make sure that you’re wearing adequate PPE, including safety goggles.
3 Heat up soldering iron
Ensure the extractor fan is on. Turn on your soldering iron and heat to 400°C. Grip the soldering iron like a pen, then bring the solder close to the tip of the iron and hold near the connection point.
Be careful not to touch soldering iron.
Ensure that the tip of the soldering iron is at least a couple of centimetres away from your hands at all times, to avoid any potential contact.
6 Clean up
Switch off the extractor fan and wash your hands thoroughly with soap to avoid ingesting any solder or metal.
About Arduino
Arduinos can be used to design new and innovative smart tools, combining sensors and internet-connected devices.
Learn to program an Arduino
1 Register for a workshop
Book into an Intro to prototyping using Arduino workshop at CreateSpace.
2 Open up the SparkFun handbook at CreateSpace
The SparkFun handbook is included in the Arduino kit at CreateSpace, with instructions on how the hardware interface works, how to set up and connect sensors into the SparkFun board.
3 Open up Arduino IDE
Book into an Intro to Soldering workshop at ThinkSpace or CreateSpace.
4 Write your code
When you open a new program on Arduino IDE, you’ll find two sections to write your code.
The “setup()” function is for inputting a command that only runs once, such as initialising a program.
The “loop()” function is for inputting a command that will continue to repeat until the board resets, such as blinking an LED light.
5 Verify your code
Make sure your code is written in the correct section for the board to understand what you want it to do and perform those actions in the correct sequence.
To check for errors, select the “Sketch” tab, then select Verify/Compile.
6 Plug in Arduino UNO to Arduino IDE
To establish connection between the board and software, go to the “Tools” tab, then select the appropriate port (USB port) and the board model that you are using (Arduino UNO).
7 Upload your code to Arduino UNO
Once the compilation is complete and no errors are shown, your code is ready to load onto the board.
Click the upload button next to the checkmark icon to start the process.
Contact
Talk to a Peer Learning Advisor to learn more about sewing.