1. You can learn how to build robots by clicking on the Start Here link at the top of the website. The excellent walthrough doesn’t explain WHY but it explains HOW.
Before I bought a coldheat Before I bought a coldheat soldering iron I always melted a small bit of solder on my soldering iron after use. That way if it was months before I used it again it looked clean. Next time I used it I heated it up and wiped it off with a damp sponge. This keeps it clean and rust free.
Are those coldheat cordless irons any good? A friend of mine told me they were crap and never got hot enough, I thought I’d get a second opinion.
Keeping the tip clean is defiantly key and realize you don’t have to buy a new iron in most cases you can just get a replacement tip, usually only about $3. Get some steel wool… Thin solde… and some flux…
I think it’s awesome that your only 12 years old, that’s what 7th grade right? Same age I was when I got into electronics. Look at me six years later and I’m still just getting started, real classes start next spring and I can’t wait!!!
Oh and you don’t need much money. At first start small, tare apart broken things like VCRs, radios, garden lights, Ext… take out all the parts and see what they can do. If there are any thrift stores around have your mother take you there, buy some old RC cars, computer mice, power cables, printers, maybe not that exact stuff but I think you get the picture. Remember It’s good to experiment, as long as it doesn’t involve high voltages, or your mother’s $200 Kitchen Aid…
Anything you want to know is online you just have to look for it. An area iv been slacking in lately, but none the less its true.
Anymore questions feel free to ask. I know i’m willing to help in any way i can.
Question, what have you made so far? Just wondering if you have hacked some old toys or anything.