Shopping List: Experiments 12 Through 15
100 Chapter 3
I like Mitutoyo calipers, and the low-end model 505-611 (shown in Figure
3-19) does everything I need. You can find cheaper brands, but economiz-
ing on precision measuring tools may not be a wise policy in the long
term. The manufacturer’s site will show you all their available models, af-
ter which you can Google “Mitutoyo” to find retail sources.Figure 3-17. You spin this countersink tool
like a hand crank to add just the right
amount of bevel to a hole, so that it will
accommodate a flat-head screw.
Figure 3-18. This pick-and-hook set is use-
ful in many unexpected ways.Figure 3-19. Calipers can be digital (which
automatically convert from millimeters to
1/64 inch to 1/1,000 inch), or analog like
these (so you never need to worry about a
dead battery).Supplies
Solder
This is the stuff that you will melt to join components together on a per-
manent (we hope) basis. You need some very thin solder, size 0.022 inches,
for very small components, and thicker solder, 0.05 inches, for heavier items.
Avoid buying solder that is intended for plumbers, or for craft purposes such
as creating jewelry. A range of solder thicknesses is shown in Figure 3-20. You
want to make sure to get lead-free solder.
Electronics solder has a nonacidic rosin core that is appropriate for elec-
tronic components. Rolls of solder are available from all hobby-electronics
sources including All Electronics, RadioShack, and Jameco, or search for
“electronic solder” on Amazon.
Wire
You’ll need some stranded wire to make flexible external connections
with the circuit that you’ll be building. Look for 22-gauge stranded hook-
up wire, in red, black, and green, 10 feet (minimum) of each.
If you want to install the intrusion alarm after completing that project in
Experiment 15, you’ll need white-insulated two-conductor wire of the
type sold for doorbells or furnace controls. This is available by the footFigure 3-20. Spools of solder in various
thicknesses.