Servo - March 2009

Tune in each month for a heads-up on where to get all of your “robotics resources” for the best prices!

Setting Up Your

Own Robotics Workbench

With the right tools, you can make just about anything. That certainly goes for the fine art of robot building. With proper tools, your robots are more dependable and accurate, and they'll probably look better, too.

In past installments of Robotics Resources, we've looked at tools used to construct robot bodies (see April and November 2008 issues); in this column, we'll take a look at tools used to build the electronic sub-systems of your robot: soldering irons, testing meters, logic probes, and oscilloscopes are among the contenders. As usual, we provide a list of online sources that you can use to further your research.

the soldering pencil in a safe and upright position), an assortment of soldering tips of various sizes for small and medium gauge wire, a spool of solder, and a sponge (for keeping the soldering tip clean while you solder).

Additional supplies for a well-rounded soldering kit are: a clip-on heat sink for drawing away the excess heat from sensitive components; a desoldering vacuum tool to soak up molten solder; dental picks for scraping, cutting, forming, and gouging into the work; and a vise or "third hand" to hold parts while you solder.

Volt-Ohm Meters

A volt-ohm meter — also called a multitester — is used to test voltage levels and the resistance of circuits. This is a moderately priced tool and is the basic requirement for working with electronic circuits of any kind. There are many volt-ohm meters on the market today. For work on robotics, you don't want a cheap model and you don't need an expensive one. A meter of intermediate quality is sufficient and does the job admirably. The price for such a meter is between $20 and $50. Shop around

All Electronics offers a convenient online store and a regularly updated printed catalog.

Soldering Tools and Supplies

If you're doing any kind of custom electronics or wiring on your robot, one of the first tools you'll need is a soldering iron. For the most flexibility, invest in a modular soldering pencil — the kind that lets you change the heating element. For routine electronic work, you should get a 25 to 30 watt heating element. Anything higher may damage electronic components. A 40 or 50 watt element can be used for wiring switches, relays, and power transistors. Stay away from "instant on" soldering irons as they put out too much heat.