Power & Hand Tools
Everything you need to supply power to a circuit and to build or rework it physically.
Bench power supply (DC)​
A bench supply gives you an adjustable, current-limited DC source — far safer than a wall adapter for prototypes.
- Set the voltage to your circuit's rating before connecting it.
- Set the current limit low first; a sane limit turns a wiring mistake into a harmless "the supply went into CC mode" instead of fried parts or smoke.
On a fresh board, set the current limit just above expected draw. If the supply hits the limit (constant-current mode) the instant you power on, you have a short — power down and inspect before going further.
Soldering station​
A temperature-controlled iron for joining components and reworking boards.
- Typical leaded solder flows around 300–350 °C; lead-free needs a bit hotter.
- Keep the tip tinned and clean (brass wool / damp sponge) — a black, oxidized tip won't transfer heat.
- Use flux for clean joints; a good joint is shiny and concave, not a dull blob.
The iron and the work get hot enough to burn instantly. Use fume extraction / ventilation, wear eye protection, never leave a hot iron unattended, and return it to its stand. See Lab Rules & Safety.
Sensitive parts (MCUs, SoCs, MOSFETs) can be killed by static you can't even feel. Use an anti-static wrist strap and mat when handling bare boards and ICs.
Hot-air rework​
For surface-mount (SMD) parts and removing/replacing chips. Control air temperature and flow; shield neighbouring components and pre-heat large boards so joints reflow evenly.
Hand tools​
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Wire strippers / flush cutters | Prep and trim wires and leads |
| Precision screwdrivers | Enclosures, headers, mounts |
| Tweezers (ESD-safe) | Placing SMD parts |
| Helping hands / vice | Holding boards while soldering |
| Heat-shrink + heat gun | Insulating and strain-relieving joints |
Log when you use up shared consumables (solder, flux, heat-shrink, wick) so they get restocked — see the usage policy.