Electronics-Lab.com Blog

Weller WX series enjoys your favour, that´s why we added another types to our standard offer.

We´re pleased, that you appreciate excellent features of inteligent soldering stations, which we introduced to you for example in the article Weller WX soldering stations are a masterpiece. That´s why already several types of the WX series can be found in our stock. Any other versions and soldering tools we´re able to provide you in a short delivery term.

WX series meets all requirements for demanding and precise everyday work. High power, user comfort and a wide range of soldering tools and tips will be probably beneficial even for your workplace. In case of interest, please contact us at info@soselectronic.com.

We enlarged our offer of Weller WX soldering stations - [Link]

Set of Professional screwdrivers and cutting pliers Wiha SoftFinish in a handful bag will gladden every electro-technician.

Standalone screwdrivers, various pliers, hexagonal screwdrivers can be found in our offer during all the year. This time we bring you also something in addition – set of 4 professional screwdrivers and cutting pliers SoftFinish electric series in a gift package, for a special price with approx. 40% discount. This set of tools with SoftFinish hand grips is available in a limited amount at the occasion of 15-th anniversary of the SoftFinish technology.

Multicomponent „SoftFinish“ hand grip provides a maximum user comfort and decreases fatigue even at a long-lasting work. Screwdrivers are from through-hardened CrVMo steel, insulated, suitable for all works on electric devices up to do 1000V AC/ 1500VDC (VDE and GS approval). Every screwdriver is individually tested in a water bath at 10 000 Volts according to IEC60900:2004.

Cutting pliers Wiha Professional electric series with an innovative „DynamicJoint“ construction require up to 40% less force than conventional tools. These robust and durable pliers also feature extra wide grips for a comfortable work.   In our offer can also be found many other sets from company Wiha. Detailed information will provide you the Wiha screwdrivers overview, overview of Wiha screwdrivers´ grips and the Wiha catalogue 2012-2014 (19MB). In case of interest, please contact us at info@soselectronic.com.

Gain the Wiha PicoFinish set for free  
We offer you a possibility to gain the set of 6 hex screwdrivers with a ball head Wiha Pico Finish 264 PF K6 for free. All that is necessary, is to correctly answer the question: What´s the name of Wiha pliers construction, which decreases force necessary to cut a wire up to 40%?
Let us know the correct answer at marketing@soselectronic.com.

Handy Christmas presents can also be found in Soselectronic portfolio – [Link]

Our friend Vassilis decided to build his own manual Pick & Place machine to facilitate his work with 0402 SMD and other fine pitch parts. He used plywood, a pen microscope and a vacuum pump to build this dirty cheap Pick and Place manual machine:

If you are dealing with tiny SMD parts (e.g. 0402 resistors and capacitors), a manual pick and place machine is a helpful piece of equipment for prototyping and small-batch manufacturing. On the other side, traditional SMD placement using precision tweezers not only requires an ultra-steady hand but also becomes a tiresome drill, especially when working long hours upon fine-pitch PCB footprints.

Low Budget Manual Pick & Place - [Link]

That’ s a great little table saw that you can build yourself. It seems that is perfect for cutting PCBs also. Design files are included! metaltronics.wordpress.com writes:

This long desired project is finally finished. Now I can clean-cut metal, plastics or wood stock easily and with minimal loss. I think everyone working on small parts must have one. Some time ago I was working on my cnc lathe and get tired of my options to cut stock, so I decided I needed a mini table saw before continue. Proxxon micro table saw seemed to be exactly what I needed, but I choose to make my own.

DIY Micro table saw - [Link]

Choosing the proper CNC lathe for the job is essential. Your lathe will be producing numerous parts, the quality of which will depend upon the standards the lathe is built to. The correct lathe is an investment. Therefore, choosing a CNC lathe should not be a decision that is taken lightly.

Microprocessor-Controlled CNC Lathes

When space and electricity are at a premium, a microprocessor-controlled CNC lathe can be remarkably useful. Rather than receiving constant instructions from an attached personal computer, these lathes can be fed their instructions once from a remote computer or a disk. Afterwards, adjustments to the design can be made using an integrated control panel. Efficient but cost-effective lathes utilize the 6502, Z80, 8086, 8088 and 68000 processors. See “Energy Conservation Considerations” later in this article.

Upgrading a Microprocessor-Controlled CNC Lathe

It is not always best to choose the highest-end model when you select a microprocessor-controlled lathe. For example, many lathes utilise the Motorola 68000 processor. Other common implementations utilise a Hitachi, Signetics or Toshiba variant. In the event that this processor is socketed, as it often is, you can quickly and cheaply replace the chip with a newer model. It is important that the replacement chip you choose is pin-for-pin and instruction set compatible with the originally-installed part. Read the rest of this entry »

foxxtrotalpha writes:

The soldering assistant is a project idea I had to have my soldering supplies conveniently in one spot. The Solder spool holder is close to the work area to have a read supply of solder to feed directly from the spool. The soldering assistant also features and adjustable vise to hold your projects securely as you assemble them. Just behind the work area is a parts bin, to put your resistors, capacitors, IC’s tweezers or other supplies. Side “fins” make it possible to make custom add-ons that can just snap into place. The only part that isn’t printable through a 3d printer is the center threaded rod that moves the base, this is a 1/4″ threaded rod that can be purchased at any local hardware store. 2 hex nuts are also required, one that fits into the moving side of the platform, and one on the stationary side. This is an entry for the “Make it real Challenge” contest. If you like the design, please vote, Thanks.

Soldering Assistant - [Link]

Nathan Zimmerman has developed this PC GUI evaluation tool for the MSP430. Coded in VC++, the GUI allows control of all the peripherals on a MSP430 controller. He’s currently testing it using the MSP430G2553. [via]

This GUI would be very handy to have from a hardware/software test debug standpoint. For example, say I wanted to test out some SPI sensor I purchased, I could use a GUI such as this to send custom SPI packets to the device I’m testing and read/observe results live. That as opposed to having to write a micro.c file to do the communication and re write it every time something doesn’t work.

MSP430 PC GUI evaluation tool - [Link]

Drone writes about a new 3d printer project he’s found: [via]

MakiBox A6 is a new crowd-funded project by Jon Buford in Honk Kong. Price is $300USD each plus $50USD International shipping. The basic kit includes all MakiBox parts with electronics and power supply and 1 kg of plastic (2 x 1/2kg spools of ABS). No software is included but there are plenty of open-source solutions. For example, ReplicatorG (http://replicat.org/) is mentioned as the STL file gateway feeding MakiBox.

The MakiBox uses trapezoidal drive shafts that provide 8mm/revolution travel. Print speed should be around 60-80mm/sec. with 1.8 deg. steppers. There is a heated printbed. The consumable material is typically 1mm ABS plastic which MakiBot will sell for $20USD/kg in 1/2kg spools (which is pretty cheap by today’s standards).

MakiBox A6 $300 Desktop 3D Printer - [Link]

bjbsquared writes:

This is one of the best wire strippers I have ever used. If setup correctly, it can be very precise and give feedback telling when the blades have cut deep enough

Smart Electro Wire Stripper - [Link]

WSM 1C – The mobile, rechaegeable soldering station 40W. Ideal for all soldering applications that need a handy and ease of use station for a professional work. nESD safe and designed for mobile, cordless service. The perfect alternative to gas powered irons.nnnScope of deliveryn- WSM 1 soldering station with rechargeable battery and micro soldering…

Technical specifications

• ESD safe, for industrial applications
• Built in Stop+Go function for energy efficient switch off
• Touch screen technology
• Special functions for individual settings
• Temperature-locking function
• 2 pre-set temperature values (fixed temperatures)
• Equipotential bonding socket
• Integrated micro soldering pencil WMRP 40 W with ergonomic design
• Changeable, high efficient micro soldering tip RT 3, chisel, 1.3 mm and integrated heating element
• Safety rest with WDC dry cleaner
• Latest LiFePo4 rechargeable technology
• Up to 1 hour soldering capacity
• Recharge time 20 minutes
• Temperature range: 100°C – 400°C
• Heat up time: 4 sec.
• Power: 40 W / 12 V
• Soldering iron: Integrated WMRP pencil with RT 3 soldering tip, chisel 1.3 mm
• Energy efficient switching power supply: 100 – 230 V

WSM 1C – The mobile, rechargeable soldering station 40W - [Link]