Soldering practice boards and diagnostics

[exxos]

Designed this a couple years back. I hope to get them in the store soon.

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Basically instead of some people using their Atari as their first soldering project, I designed this simple LED flasher board so that people can practice soldering and basic diagnostics.

While there are many boards out there which could be used for soldering practice, I wanted to do something a little different and put jumpers on there to simulate various fault conditions. Then the user can practice and learn basic skills.

It also gets you familiar with basic component identification. I've made it as simple as possible but I am not simply going to give everyone the answers! Where would be the fun that!

After assembly the user then shorts out the relevant jumper and it creates a fault. You then need basic equipment like a multimeter to work out where the fault is on the board. Answers will be published on the forum in due time.

I think this board will be useful because not only can you practice soldering, you can get familiar with short circuits and basic fault finding before letting yourself loose on a valuable retro computer!

[Ghostie]

Ooh these are a great way to start!

I remember I practiced on those kits RadioShack used to sell.

[rubber_jonnie]

Given some of the 'soldering' I've seen over the years, I think this is a great idea :)

[mgi]

I will give it a go :)

[mrbombermillzy]

Great idea!

...instead of some people using their Atari as their first soldering project...

Yeah right. Judging by the state of some of the ones that have passed through my hands, this appears to be F030s too, not just STFMs. :(

[MacTech05]

That is great! Sign me up, I will buy a couple of them.

I used to do a lot of electronics soldering for many years, but it has been a couple of decades since I did any soldering of any kind, until recently. This would be great to use to get my mojo/technique back.

I can not wait. Hope to see it in the Exxos Store soon

Randy