I think if you did a video similar to this (30 minutes to an hour) on some basic electronic analysis and repair tips and tricks that you've picked up over the years it could help some of your less-advanced viewers and help them be able to enjoy and follow more of your advanced videos. Not suggesting you "dumb-down" your channel, obviously, just an idea.
Honestly I studied electronics for a year at college (senior high school for you in the american school system) and I've learned more from this channel
On the Fluke, the audible delay is because you have it on the diode test setting and it has to do more processing. For simple continuity, you need to put it on the next setting over to the left with the icon of the audible waves.
Small hint for the solder pull, the tip seems to be PTFE/Teflon. It's heat resistant till 260°C, above that temperature it degrades in very nasty and toxic fumes, you might want to keep that in mind.
Dude. I just have to thank you. You're not on a high subscription RUclips channel or sponsored. Clearly your bulk income is not from this, yet you've rented an office because of your genuine passion for this. Evidence smart guys can still basically do whatever the hell makes them happy and make money when they need to
I have the small 2 gallon ultra quiet compressor from harbor freight for doing indoors work, and it really is quiet. You can have a normal conversation with it running. Might not be a bad thing to look into, as compressed air is nice to have.
The ENGINEER SS-02 Solder Sucker Desoldering Pump is also good and does a great job with pads that have a bit smaller footprint. I've had one for a while and have been very happy with it compared to other tools that I've tried. It also doesn't take up a ton of space on your desk.
I recommend the Engineer SS-02 for a solder sucker. It has a silicone tip instead dog a hard plastic tip, so it can make a better seal when sucking solder. The silicone tips are replaceable as well. It's also made of metal instead of plastic.
I’ve got a pair of those too. I like it. Definitely have clogged it a few times, and it can be an ordeal to free the nozzle up again. But that’s usually when I’m trying to remove the glob of solder from an AC mains inlet or something. I recommend getting a pair. Two, so you can have one working, and one in need of maintenance. From time to time, you need to lubricate the inner O-ring on the piston. I use a dab of motor oil, which works great, but it’s in the garage, and I don’t want to stop working, so I grab the other one.
If you want to escape the air compressor, you could rent a large high pressure nitrogen/air cylinder from a welding/gas shop. They come at like 3500psi, you probably won't need to replace it very often.
My best reference for how long one of those big cylinders last was when I was using a heat gun with a 1/2 full tank and it ran for like 3 hours of work, so that's pretty high CFM.
Nice idea. An alternative is to use a larger compressor to fill a converted propane cylinder with air once in a while for smaller desolder jobs. Sometimes renting air cylinders can be pricey
Absolutely agree on the Edsyn Soldapullt. I have the black SS750LS model with the metal tube wich costs about 20€ and from all pumps i had previously this is the only one that works reliable and for wich you actually get spare parts for
Probably worth mentioning that the LTT screwdriver is essentially a modified Megapro screwdriver with a marked up price, so if you don't want to spend this much on a screwdriver just get a Megapro and add a small neodymium magnet to it, and it won't really fall far behind the LTT one. The neodymium magnet improves the bit and screw retention, and it also serves as a handy screw holder. Project Farm's tests have shown that the Megapro screwdriver is very close to the LTT one besides the retention, which, again, can be fixed with just a magnet.
"This was one of those things where i just wanted something nice so i can actually trust the results and know what i'm doing. Because capacitors are like little magic cylinders of who knows what's going on inside, so having something that definitely does know what's going on inside is really helpful" quotes you can live by.
It's always interesting to see vids like this and to read the numerous comments about what you did right or did wrong. My experience in the field of electronics and electronic design spans decades. I will not criticize anything you have done or any of the equipment you are using. I will just say... it is fun and interesting to see someone producing content in this area! Well done.
On the plier front, highly recommend picking up a few hemostats. They lock shut without needing the elastic band :D Useful for stemming blood flow in the event of a major trauma or surgery, blocking flexible tubing if you're working on water cooling, etc, and holding components and pcbs.
Reference the soldier sucker I use a bit of Silicone Flexible High Temp Hose about an inch long pushed over the tip this way I can get right to the soldier joint along with the iron works really well.
I have most of these same tools myself, including a Fluke 289 multimeter like yours. It's awesome! Now I just need to get me a good desoldering station/gun because I do a LOT of circuit board work, so that will probably be my next major tool upgrade, because I'm just tired of wasting so much time with desoldering wick! I also need to get me a really good AND accurate LCR meter, that includes the ESR function, because I could REALLY use that! I work on speakers, rebuilding and designing crossovers, etc., along with HD power supplies and amplifiers and other vintage audio equipment repair and upgrades too, so I am always dealing with capacitors! (AND Inductors)... On that note, what are the ranges of capacitance and inductance that that LCR meter you have can measure? I frequently work with very large capacitance capacitors and quite large value inductors too, because of high current power supply designs and repairs/upgrades, so I need a meter that can measure really large value capacitors and inductors too, in addition to the smallest value ones like in radio tuners and such. If you see this comment, please LMK the ranges of capacitance and inductance that that LCR meter you have can measure, so I know if it will fit my needs. Thanks!
12:30 Yeah, I (tried to) used the generic blue desoldering pump for decades until I found this one, and it really worked well… until it broke inside. I'll have to try and come up with a fix someday.
I suffered with those awful generic ones all through school, and they only let the teacher ever use solder braid (knowing the other students in the class it was probably a good policy, though, they absolutely would’ve wasted it). Getting my own equipment at home was such a revelation lmao
On Amazon there's a thing called QuadHands classic which has four bendy arms attached to a 1/4" steel plate. At the end are alligator clips that have silicone cushions. It's the best version of helping hands that exist. Can't recommend enough.
California air tools. We use one of their compressors in the lab at my office. You can definitely hear it but it's FAR quieter than a regular compressor and it does the business.
Radio Shack still exists. There's a store in the next town over. They still have electronics and RF stuff in the back, but dell phone, drones, and e-bike stuff is in the front.
I can recommend a set of wooden laundry clips. Inexpensive and often really useful! (make shift cable holder, pcb holder, holding heatshrink in places, whatever). Wooden ones, cause they don't melt while soldering or using hot air. I also got this tip from a friend of mine and I use these things quite often :)
6:14 Desoldering guns seem so expensive compared to wick and those pen-shaped manual pullers, but wow, this really convinced me that I need to just bite the bullet and spend the money the next time I need to desolder something,
I will say cheap helping hands suck, the nice ones are really good. I have a Panavice and a set of alligator clamps on the blue bendy coolant hoses. They are super useful.
I bought the Fluke 289 three years ago ago because I need a meter with low burden voltage and a microamp range down to 3 uA. We(the company I work for actually purchased it) don't use that much any more and sits in the meter drawer. We typically use Fluke 177 and 179 meters. They just work for any thing we through at them( we do electronics manufacturing services, i am the lead tech for the Test dept.).So for someone just starting out, a meter with good specs. and doesn't break the bank will do. I have several very nice Amazon purchses that I have staked up with the Fluke 179 and they are very comparable.
Have you considered building a silencing enclosure for your air compressor? Also, harbor freight has a very quiet small air compressor now too. Edit, I commented before you mentioned getting a quieter compressor, but it still stands that harbor freight offers a few really nice ones.
I actually was running the compressor in a rough silencing enclosure for this video! It was surrounded by about 1.5" of low density foam on all sides. It's just really loud(this one is fairly old and low end). I'll probably end up getting a quieter compressor and building a nicer silencing chamber because I really want to avoid noise complaints at the office.
air compressor: A year or so ago I picked up a metabo hpt (formerly hitachi) 1 gallon "quiet series" air compressor from Lowes. It produces noise of similar character and intensity to the mini-fridge it sits on.
Superinteresting soldering station, never seen that one! It looks like newer Hakko ones but without temperature knob. I have couple stations, mostly respectable, of cheaper brands, but I mostly go for Hakko 900 system copies, because you can get any tip you want in wide range of prices and qualities. I ran 2 irons most of the time, so that is kinda important.
if you don't know, invest in some locking plyers. Irwin calls them VISE-GRIP but they go by locking plyers often. you can get mini versions as well. and if you're working on sensitive tools, you should put tape on the teeth.
@Tech Tangents precision engineer's vise for your trick with small "Kombizange" maybe worth looking up for your Box-cutter I suggest searching for Martor security knifes
I don't buy screwdriver with bits. It always feels sloppy and therefore I buy fixed screwdrivers. I have a large set with bits for odd screws or when I need to use them with the battery drill.
At least as of about 2 years ago when I bought mine, the "WORKPRO 6-piece Mini Pliers Set" on Amazon is extremely similar to your Husky set, and at minimum, for sure has those needle nose in it. That said, I almost never use the needle nose in the set because I vastly prefer the Stanley 84-096 version. I keep those on my desk sticking out of a jar with pens and pencils and such because I use them so often. 🤣
I think you'd love a few of the nanch precision screwdriver sets tbh, some have the selectively extendable portion and the bit tips are also extended for reaching into deeper pockets, quality is there as well. Just make sure it says telescopic or extendable, some of them look similar but don't have it, it's a surprisingly stealthy design.
I have the Harbor Freight "ultra quiet" Fortress 2 gallon compressor. It's plenty quiet enough to run indoors. Another option would be to get a 5 gallon portable tank, then you could refill it outside using your angry pancake.
if you don't know, you should put the air compressor in another room or outside anyways. having it next to you is dangerous as if it explodes, it is super dangerous.
Oldschool helping hands are indeed useless. I've had way more luck with a Panavise surrounded by those flexible arms made from coolant hose segments for machine shops.
Interesting view on tweezers. I bought cheap tweezers once, and directly trashed them. (Made out of the cheapest steel possible I guess) I prefer medium to expensive tweezers. Made out of quality steel, made in a quality country. They last forever and are a joy to use. I don't want to get angry because of poor quality tools.
I use Wiha tweezers and have abused them to no end. Like, prying, poking, digging ... They bend, but usually bend right back just fine! I say, have a couple spares, and don’t be too precious with them.
I have an iFixit kit and managed to chip one of the flat blade bits on my first serious job with them. Whatever. Just assume they’re consumable and move on. I agree about the Klein strippers. I have three sets of various size ranges, but usually use the same as the one in the video. They’re fantastic.
for cleaning make sure to use 99% ISOPROP as it will completely evaporate super fast. I have no sink in my shop. safety tip us a solvent rag garbage can. only for fire prevention.
i just replaced a switch on a Logitech mouse, wish I thought of the rubber band on pliers clamp thing. I spent most of my time fighting the lightweight board.
The LTT screwdriver is overpriced to the extreme. I would have had to pay about $120 to have one shipped to Sweden. For that kind of money I could buy plenty of premium screwdrivers or a lifetime supply of cheap screwdrivers.
I think if you did a video similar to this (30 minutes to an hour) on some basic electronic analysis and repair tips and tricks that you've picked up over the years it could help some of your less-advanced viewers and help them be able to enjoy and follow more of your advanced videos. Not suggesting you "dumb-down" your channel, obviously, just an idea.
A bit more like Mr.CarlsonsLab I guess is the approximate direction of your idea
I'd love to see that, too!
i feel like he tried that at some point in the past
Honestly I studied electronics for a year at college (senior high school for you in the american school system) and I've learned more from this channel
Would adore this!
On the Fluke, the audible delay is because you have it on the diode test setting and it has to do more processing. For simple continuity, you need to put it on the next setting over to the left with the icon of the audible waves.
I will have to check that out, thanks for letting me know!
Same thing on my simpler Fluke 179, makes quite a difference
You know me as AkBKukU, the wisecracking assistant on the hit sitcom "tooling around"
Small hint for the solder pull, the tip seems to be PTFE/Teflon. It's heat resistant till 260°C, above that temperature it degrades in very nasty and toxic fumes, you might want to keep that in mind.
Dude. I just have to thank you.
You're not on a high subscription RUclips channel or sponsored. Clearly your bulk income is not from this, yet you've rented an office because of your genuine passion for this.
Evidence smart guys can still basically do whatever the hell makes them happy and make money when they need to
I have the small 2 gallon ultra quiet compressor from harbor freight for doing indoors work, and it really is quiet. You can have a normal conversation with it running. Might not be a bad thing to look into, as compressed air is nice to have.
I love how you improvise and not just throw money at things. 👍
The ENGINEER SS-02 Solder Sucker Desoldering Pump is also good and does a great job with pads that have a bit smaller footprint. I've had one for a while and have been very happy with it compared to other tools that I've tried. It also doesn't take up a ton of space on your desk.
I second this. It's a good tool.
I recommend the Engineer SS-02 for a solder sucker. It has a silicone tip instead dog a hard plastic tip, so it can make a better seal when sucking solder. The silicone tips are replaceable as well. It's also made of metal instead of plastic.
I’ve got a pair of those too. I like it. Definitely have clogged it a few times, and it can be an ordeal to free the nozzle up again. But that’s usually when I’m trying to remove the glob of solder from an AC mains inlet or something.
I recommend getting a pair. Two, so you can have one working, and one in need of maintenance. From time to time, you need to lubricate the inner O-ring on the piston. I use a dab of motor oil, which works great, but it’s in the garage, and I don’t want to stop working, so I grab the other one.
The rubberband mini-vice is genius! I'm definitely using that next time.
If you want to escape the air compressor, you could rent a large high pressure nitrogen/air cylinder from a welding/gas shop. They come at like 3500psi, you probably won't need to replace it very often.
My best reference for how long one of those big cylinders last was when I was using a heat gun with a 1/2 full tank and it ran for like 3 hours of work, so that's pretty high CFM.
Nice idea. An alternative is to use a larger compressor to fill a converted propane cylinder with air once in a while for smaller desolder jobs. Sometimes renting air cylinders can be pricey
Haha, I love that silly little Radio Shack poker-thing too! Also acquired ages ago with an el-cheapo soldering iron which is now my hot knife.
Absolutely agree on the Edsyn Soldapullt. I have the black SS750LS model with the metal tube wich costs about 20€ and from all pumps i had previously this is the only one that works reliable and for wich you actually get spare parts for
Probably worth mentioning that the LTT screwdriver is essentially a modified Megapro screwdriver with a marked up price, so if you don't want to spend this much on a screwdriver just get a Megapro and add a small neodymium magnet to it, and it won't really fall far behind the LTT one. The neodymium magnet improves the bit and screw retention, and it also serves as a handy screw holder. Project Farm's tests have shown that the Megapro screwdriver is very close to the LTT one besides the retention, which, again, can be fixed with just a magnet.
Yeah the only other difference is the handle shape, which really is entirely personal preference, it can’t be said to be strictly better
Mini lineman's with a rubber band is a great idea, thanks! Will have to implement this.
"This was one of those things where i just wanted something nice so i can actually trust the results and know what i'm doing. Because capacitors are like little magic cylinders of who knows what's going on inside, so having something that definitely does know what's going on inside is really helpful" quotes you can live by.
It's always interesting to see vids like this and to read the numerous comments about what you did right or did wrong. My experience in the field of electronics and electronic design spans decades. I will not criticize anything you have done or any of the equipment you are using. I will just say... it is fun and interesting to see someone producing content in this area! Well done.
Been using binder clips for cable management in my own setup as well as work/test bench applications for years.
On the plier front, highly recommend picking up a few hemostats. They lock shut without needing the elastic band :D Useful for stemming blood flow in the event of a major trauma or surgery, blocking flexible tubing if you're working on water cooling, etc, and holding components and pcbs.
Reference the soldier sucker I use a bit of Silicone Flexible High Temp Hose about an inch long pushed over the tip this way I can get right to the soldier joint along with the iron works really well.
I have most of these same tools myself, including a Fluke 289 multimeter like yours. It's awesome!
Now I just need to get me a good desoldering station/gun because I do a LOT of circuit board work, so that will probably be my next major tool upgrade, because I'm just tired of wasting so much time with desoldering wick!
I also need to get me a really good AND accurate LCR meter, that includes the ESR function, because I could REALLY use that! I work on speakers, rebuilding and designing crossovers, etc., along with HD power supplies and amplifiers and other vintage audio equipment repair and upgrades too, so I am always dealing with capacitors! (AND Inductors)...
On that note, what are the ranges of capacitance and inductance that that LCR meter you have can measure? I frequently work with very large capacitance capacitors and quite large value inductors too, because of high current power supply designs and repairs/upgrades, so I need a meter that can measure really large value capacitors and inductors too, in addition to the smallest value ones like in radio tuners and such.
If you see this comment, please LMK the ranges of capacitance and inductance that that LCR meter you have can measure, so I know if it will fit my needs. Thanks!
12:30 Yeah, I (tried to) used the generic blue desoldering pump for decades until I found this one, and it really worked well… until it broke inside. I'll have to try and come up with a fix someday.
I suffered with those awful generic ones all through school, and they only let the teacher ever use solder braid (knowing the other students in the class it was probably a good policy, though, they absolutely would’ve wasted it). Getting my own equipment at home was such a revelation lmao
On Amazon there's a thing called QuadHands classic which has four bendy arms attached to a 1/4" steel plate. At the end are alligator clips that have silicone cushions. It's the best version of helping hands that exist. Can't recommend enough.
As seen on the 8-bit guy
California air tools. We use one of their compressors in the lab at my office. You can definitely hear it but it's FAR quieter than a regular compressor and it does the business.
Radio Shack still exists. There's a store in the next town over. They still have electronics and RF stuff in the back, but dell phone, drones, and e-bike stuff is in the front.
I am proud that a screw driver set I bought randomly from Amazon a couple months ago is the exact same one as recommended in this video
I can recommend a set of wooden laundry clips. Inexpensive and often really useful! (make shift cable holder, pcb holder, holding heatshrink in places, whatever). Wooden ones, cause they don't melt while soldering or using hot air. I also got this tip from a friend of mine and I use these things quite often :)
6:14 Desoldering guns seem so expensive compared to wick and those pen-shaped manual pullers, but wow, this really convinced me that I need to just bite the bullet and spend the money the next time I need to desolder something,
You can get surplus dental tools / picks as your poking tools! They’re cheap, plentiful, and they’re strong.
I will say cheap helping hands suck, the nice ones are really good. I have a Panavice and a set of alligator clamps on the blue bendy coolant hoses. They are super useful.
I bought the Fluke 289 three years ago ago because I need a meter with low burden voltage and a microamp range down to 3 uA. We(the company I work for actually purchased it) don't use that much any more and sits in the meter drawer. We typically use Fluke 177 and 179 meters. They just work for any thing we through at them( we do electronics manufacturing services, i am the lead tech for the Test dept.).So for someone just starting out, a meter with good specs. and doesn't break the bank will do. I have several very nice Amazon purchses that I have staked up with the Fluke 179 and they are very comparable.
Have you considered building a silencing enclosure for your air compressor? Also, harbor freight has a very quiet small air compressor now too. Edit, I commented before you mentioned getting a quieter compressor, but it still stands that harbor freight offers a few really nice ones.
I actually was running the compressor in a rough silencing enclosure for this video! It was surrounded by about 1.5" of low density foam on all sides. It's just really loud(this one is fairly old and low end). I'll probably end up getting a quieter compressor and building a nicer silencing chamber because I really want to avoid noise complaints at the office.
@@TechTangents wow, that really is a loud beast, I thought it was just out in the open.
I’m sold on the wire stripper.
air compressor: A year or so ago I picked up a metabo hpt (formerly hitachi) 1 gallon "quiet series" air compressor from Lowes. It produces noise of similar character and intensity to the mini-fridge it sits on.
I like that binder clip hack for the cables. 😛
Using pliers as a mini vice is really clever. Surprised I've never seen anyone do this.
Superinteresting soldering station, never seen that one! It looks like newer Hakko ones but without temperature knob. I have couple stations, mostly respectable, of cheaper brands, but I mostly go for Hakko 900 system copies, because you can get any tip you want in wide range of prices and qualities. I ran 2 irons most of the time, so that is kinda important.
This is Dope, I'm just kitting out my shop and taking notes
if you don't know, invest in some locking plyers. Irwin calls them VISE-GRIP but they go by locking plyers often. you can get mini versions as well.
and if you're working on sensitive tools, you should put tape on the teeth.
Wal-Mart has a 6 piece plier set with the long needle nose pliers. I have the 5 piece set and haven't had any problems with them so far.
I have the same manual desolder pump, only my is black, is about 20 years old and it's still working like I bought it yesterday.
Binder clip - genius!! Sometimes it's just the simplest of things... I'm off to office works.
@Tech Tangents
precision engineer's vise for your trick with small "Kombizange" maybe worth looking up
for your Box-cutter I suggest searching for Martor security knifes
I don't buy screwdriver with bits. It always feels sloppy and therefore I buy fixed screwdrivers.
I have a large set with bits for odd screws or when I need to use them with the battery drill.
That plier set is actually still for sale but under the Kobalt brand. It looks almost identical to that Husky set.
Actually this was very informative and actually helpful to see what tools others actually use.
I first learned to solder on a Metcal. It's an amazing soldering iron.
I didn't expect to see the LTT screwdriver!
At least as of about 2 years ago when I bought mine, the "WORKPRO 6-piece Mini Pliers Set" on Amazon is extremely similar to your Husky set, and at minimum, for sure has those needle nose in it.
That said, I almost never use the needle nose in the set because I vastly prefer the Stanley 84-096 version. I keep those on my desk sticking out of a jar with pens and pencils and such because I use them so often. 🤣
A desoldering gun is a luxury piece of gear. That said once you have one you can never go back.
I think you'd love a few of the nanch precision screwdriver sets tbh, some have the selectively extendable portion and the bit tips are also extended for reaching into deeper pockets, quality is there as well. Just make sure it says telescopic or extendable, some of them look similar but don't have it, it's a surprisingly stealthy design.
You should get a Rolgear screwdriver from Canada. It can ratchet but doesn't make a clicking noise.
22:47 RIP the pokerator
I have the Harbor Freight "ultra quiet" Fortress 2 gallon compressor. It's plenty quiet enough to run indoors.
Another option would be to get a 5 gallon portable tank, then you could refill it outside using your angry pancake.
if you don't know, you should put the air compressor in another room or outside anyways. having it next to you is dangerous as if it explodes, it is super dangerous.
Oldschool helping hands are indeed useless. I've had way more luck with a Panavise surrounded by those flexible arms made from coolant hose segments for machine shops.
Interesting view on tweezers. I bought cheap tweezers once, and directly trashed them. (Made out of the cheapest steel possible I guess) I prefer medium to expensive tweezers. Made out of quality steel, made in a quality country. They last forever and are a joy to use. I don't want to get angry because of poor quality tools.
I use Wiha tweezers and have abused them to no end. Like, prying, poking, digging ... They bend, but usually bend right back just fine! I say, have a couple spares, and don’t be too precious with them.
I have an iFixit kit and managed to chip one of the flat blade bits on my first serious job with them. Whatever. Just assume they’re consumable and move on.
I agree about the Klein strippers. I have three sets of various size ranges, but usually use the same as the one in the video. They’re fantastic.
Soldapullt goes for 5 bucks over here in Holland...Thought the tip was Teflon....
for cleaning make sure to use 99% ISOPROP as it will completely evaporate super fast. I have no sink in my shop. safety tip us a solvent rag garbage can. only for fire prevention.
@0:18 10/10
i just replaced a switch on a Logitech mouse, wish I thought of the rubber band on pliers clamp thing. I spent most of my time fighting the lightweight board.
I would love to see more vids like this!😁🖒
non magnetic tweezers are better for SMT parts. And the heptane "Air tool cleaner" is really handy to remove labels and flux.
fear factory in the parking lot :D
A dentist air compressor would well super quiet
cool tools
Hmmm it's Soul not Sod coz sod is DIRT :)
The LTT screwdriver is overpriced to the extreme. I would have had to pay about $120 to have one shipped to Sweden. For that kind of money I could buy plenty of premium screwdrivers or a lifetime supply of cheap screwdrivers.
Just get a Hakko desolding iron before you repair the air compressor nightmare gun.
for strip wires that are too small... I use my teeth
For desoldering work, get yourself a cheap hemostat, it will change your life.
Any news on the data general? I discovered this channel looking for that computer 🥹