Vectronics VEC-1016K - Manual (Page 3)

Omitting or Misreading a Part: This is easier to do than you might think! Always
double-check to make sure you completed each step in an assembly sequence.
Soldering Tips: Cleanliness and good heat distribution are the two secrets of
professional soldering. Before you install and solder each part, inspect leads or pins for
oxidation. If the metal surface is dull, sand with fine emery paper until shiny. Allow the
tip of your iron to contact both the lead and pad for about one second (count "one-
thousand-one") before feeding solder to the connection. Surfaces must become hot
enough for solder to flow smoothly. Feed solder to the opposite side of the lead from your
iron tip--solder will wick around the lead toward the tip, wetting all exposed surfaces.
Apply solder sparingly, and do not touch solder directly to the hot iron tip to promote
rapid melting.
Desoldering Tips: If you make a mistake and need to remove a part, follow these
instructions carefully! First, grasp the component with hemostats, needle-nose pliers, or
your fingers. Heat the pad beneath the lead you intend to extract, and pull gently. The
lead should come out. Repeat for the other lead. Solder may fill in behind the lead as
you extract it--especially if you are working on a double-sided board with plate-through
holes. Should this happen, try heating the pad again and inserting a common pin into the
hole. Solder won't stick to the pin's chromium plating. When the pad cools, remove the
pin and insert the correct component. For ICs or multi-pin parts, use desoldering braid to
remove excess solder before attempting to extract the part. Alternatively, a low-cost
vacuum-bulb or spring-loaded solder sucker may be used. Parts damaged or severely
overheated during extraction should be replaced rather than re-installed.
Work Habits: Kit construction requires the ability to follow detailed instructions and, in
many cases, to perform new and unfamiliar tasks. To avoid making needless mistakes,
work for short periods when you're fresh and alert. Recreational construction project are
more informative and more fun when you take your time. Enjoy!
Sorting and Reading Resistors: The electrical value of resistors is indicated by a color
code (shown below). You don't have to memorize this code to work with resistors, but
you do need to understand how it works:
1st Digit
2nd Digit
Multiplier
Tolerence
Black = 0 (tens)
Brown = 1 (hundreds)
Red = 2 (K)
Orange = 3 (10K)
Yellow = 4 (100K)
Green = 5 (1Meg) Blue = 6
Violet = 7
Gray = 8
White = 9
Silver = 10%
Gold = 5%
Resistor Color Code
(gold or silver)