Soldering iron

For electronics work the best type is one powered by mains electricity (230V in the UK), it should have a heatproof
cable for safety. The iron's power rating should be 15 to 25W and it should be fitted with a small bit of 2 to 3mm
diameter.

Photograph © Rapid Electronics

Other types of soldering iron
Low voltage soldering irons are available, but their extra safety is undermined if you have a mains lead to their
power supply! Temperature controlled irons are excellent for frequent use, but not worth the extra expense if you
are a beginner. Gas-powered irons are designed for use where no mains supply is available and are not suitable for
everyday use. Pistol shaped solder guns are far too powerful and cumbersome for normal electronics use.

Soldering iron stand

You must have a safe place to put the iron when you are not holding it. The
stand should include a sponge which can be dampened for cleaning the tip of
the iron.

Photograph © Rapid Electronics

Desoldering pump (solder sucker)

A tool for removing solder when desoldering a joint to

correct a mistake or replace a component.

Photograph © Rapid Electronics

Solder remover wick (copper braid)

This is an alternative to the desoldering pump shown above.

Reel of solder

The best size for electronics is 22swg (swg = standard wire gauge).

Photograph © Rapid Electronics

Side cutters

For trimming component leads close to the circuit board.

Photograph © Rapid Electronics

Wire strippers

Most designs include a cutter as well, but they are not suitable for trimming
component leads.

Photograph © Rapid Electronics

Small pliers

Usually called 'snipe nose' pliers, these are for bending component leads etc.
If you put a strong rubber band across the handles the pliers make a
convenient holder for parts such as switches while you solder the contacts.

Photograph © Rapid Electronics

Small flat-blade screwdriver

For scraping away excess flux and dirt between tracks, as well as
driving screws!

Photograph © Rapid Electronics

Heat sink

You can buy a special tool, but a standard crocodile clip works just as well and is
cheaper.

Photograph © Rapid Electronics

The following tool is only required if you are using stripboard:

Track cutter

A 3mm drill bit can be used instead, in fact the tool is usually just a 3mm drill bit with a proper
handle fitted.

Photograph © Rapid Electronics

The following tools are only required if you make your own PCBs:

PCB rubber

This is an abrasive rubber for cleaning PCBs. It can also be used to clean stripboard where
the copper tracks have become dull and tarnished.

Photograph © Rapid Electronics

Small electric drill

Ideally this should be mounted in a drill stand. You will need a range of small drill bits, but
for most holes a 1mm bit is suitable. Larger holes can be drilled with a hand drill but 1mm
bits are too fragile to use reliably in a hand drill.

Photograph © Rapid Electronics

The Volt Ohm Meter is more commonly known as “VOM”. It is a type of tool where you
can use it to gauge electrical properties such as Resistance, Voltage and Current. There is
another version of this tool which is known as the Digital Multi-Meter or DMM. However,
it is still preferred that you make use of the traditional VOM especially when you are a
student or hobbyist starting to learn the field of electronics.

So how do you use a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM)?

Before we can learn how to use this type of tool, you need to know the parts and their functions. Below are the basic
parts that you will most likely going to make some adjustments before you can begin reading values from your
circuits:

Test Probe
You will have two test probes that are distinguished in their Red or Black color. The Red Probe indicates the positive
terminal while the black denotes the negative terminal. It is important for you to know on the part of your circuit the
location of the ground since it is where you will most likely going to connect the negative test probe. Connecting the
probes in reverse polarity could damage the equipment and it will no longer produce accurate results.

Test Probes

Scale Meter

The Scale Meter consists of numbers and series of gradations. This will provide you a reading result with two
decimal places. Reading is done by checking on the meter-pointer on the scale. The pointer should fall under a
certain range of level then count the series of gradations to the exact tip of the pointer. You may then multiply that
value on the value of the Selector Scale that you have selected.

Meter Scale

Selector Scale
On the middle part of the analog meter, there is a huge rotating knob and this is the Selector Scale. This is the first
part of the tool that required adjustment before use. If you are going to conduct a reading about voltage then you
need to turn the knob on that scale. Beside from the Voltage (DC and AC), you can also do a reading in Amperes and
Resistances.

Selector Scale

Zero Corrector

Just below the Scale Meter, you will find there a small rounded button. This is the Zero Corrector. It is used to adjust
the meter-pointer to point at the exact starting level. Adjusting it will require you to use the flat screw-driver and you
should be gentle when making your adjustment.

Zero Corrector

Zero Ohms Adjust

Reading resistances will require you to adjust the Zero Ohms Adjustment knob. It is simply a small rotating knob
that you can easily find on your VOM. Normally, it is located on the lower right bottom of the Meter Scale. Before
reading resistances, you need to make sure that the meter-pointer is set at the exact starting level. Failure to make
this adjustment will result in an inaccurate values.

Zero Adjustment Knob

Steps in using the Volt Ohm Meter:

Depending on the type of electrical properties that you need to read, you must first adjust the Zero Corrector
adjustment setting. It is often adjusted by the manufacturer but there are some instances where they are not. Take
note, you cannot adjust it by hand where you need to make use of a flat screw-driver.

The next step is to adjust the Selector Scale. If you wish to read Voltages then you need to rotate the knob and select
the option. There are two types of voltages which are DC and AC. The DC levels are used to measure “Direct
currents”, voltages with polarities. The AC levels is the opposite of DC and stands for “Alternating Currents”. The
same procedure applies when reading Currents and Resistances.

After setting-up those necessary adjustments, you may now hold your test probes with your hands and begin testing
some areas in your circuit. Good luck…

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