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Add electronics bench tools
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rechner authored Sep 14, 2024
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28 changes: 28 additions & 0 deletions docs/tools/electronics/index.md
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# Electronics Workbench

A non-exhaustive list of equipment and tools. For equipment not normally located at the bench,
there is a dedicated "boat anchor zone" on the lower shelf to temporarily hook up that equipment
there. Please be sure to clear that away and put equipment back in its home after you're done.

## At the bench

* [Soldering and desoldering tools](/tools/soldering)
* Power supplies
* [Rigol DP 832A](/manuals/electronics/dp800a_userguide_en.pdf) programmable power supply
* Various generic 0-30V analog power supplies
* Alientek DP100 digital USB-C bench power supply
* Kunkin KP184 - 150V 40A DC programmable load
* Mantis elite microscope
* Siglent SDS1404X-E oscilloscope
* Kiethlex 172A bench meter
* Emco RF-1 signal generator

## RF equipment

* Anritsu MS2802A 32GHz spectrum analyzer
* HP 9GHz RF generator

## Above the blue cabinet

* 2Ch 100MHz siglent oscilloscope
* HP fast pulse generator
31 changes: 31 additions & 0 deletions docs/tools/electronics/soldering.md
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# Soldering equipment

## Metcal RFG-30

![Metcal RFG-30 soldering iron](/img/electronics/metcal-rfg-30.jpg)

Metcal produces professional soldering stations which consist of an high-frequency power source and a fixed-temperature cartridge which [harnesses skin-effect and currie point to regulate temperature](https://www.metcal.com/soldering-station/how-smartheat-technology-works-a-tutorial/). A big advantage of this is quick thermal recovery and very stable temperature regulation, since temperature regulation is a part of the physical properties of the heater cartridge itself responding directly to thermal loads.

The temperature is regulated by the properties of the cartridge tip itself, there are no controls except the power switch.

### Tips

The MX-RM3E handpiece is compatible with STTC- or SMTC-series tips and cartridges.
[Tips and cartridges selection guide](https://web.archive.org/web/20220330012047/https://www.metcal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Tips-and-cartridges-selection-guide-1.pdf)

Some crowd favourites are:
* SMTC-1147 3.3mm hoof
* SMTC-0167 1.52mm hoof

The flat surface is great for maximum heat transfer. Friends don't let friends struggle with a conical tip.


## Hakko FR-300 Desoldering Tool

![Metcal RFG-30 soldering iron](/img/electronics/FR300.jpg)

[Manual](/manuals/electronics/fr300e20150414.pdf)

Lives in a hard plastic case on the shelf of the electronics bench, along with a dedicated stand. This is a very nice desoldering gun that makes removal of through-hole components a breeze. Operation is straightforward, but please read the Operation guide in the manual before using.

Cleaning is extremely important and should be done frequently during the desoldering process, before putting the iron away. The case includes a cleaning pin. Empty the cartridge and clean the tip and heating core before putting the tool away. Let the electronics bench captain know if it needs any additional consumables (paper air filters, tips, missing cleaning tools).

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