Four Essential
tools:
Needed to build the kit:
Suggested,
but not required
[Alpha Clock Five Assembly Guide]
And for the adventurous...
1. USB-TTL Cable
FTDI model TTL-232R or equivalent. A “smart”
converter cable with a USB interface chip inside. One end
hooks up to your USB port, the other to the clock. This
allows you to program the Clock through a modi
fi
ed
version of the Arduino development environment
( http://arduino.cc/ ).
Besides programming, the cable can also be used to sync
the time or display data on the clock through a serial
program.
2. Computer, Internet access, USB port....
All of the software and source code that you’ll need to reprogram
the clock is available online for free. You’ll need a reasonably
recent vintage computer (Mac, Windows, or Linux) and internet
access.
Additional information is available at the project page:
http://wiki.evilmadscience.com/alpha
Resistor lead forming tool
Allows fast, neat bending of resistor leads. Not that many parts
like this in the Bulbdial kit, but if you like it extra nice....
[2]
Phillips-head screwdriver, medium size. (#1 is ideal.)
4. Screwdriver
Alpha Clock Five is a soldering kit. You’ll
need certain tools and supplies to build it.
1. Soldering iron
2. Solder
3. Angle Flush Cutters
Thin rosin core solder.
60/40 solder is easy to use;
diameter of .025” or so is typical
for work like this.
Either standard (lead-bearing) or newer
“lead free” solder types will both work
just
fi
ne.
For clipping loose wire ends.
e.g., Sears Craftsman
A basic soldering iron meant for electronics, with a
reasonably
fi
ne point tip. We recommend one of
this design-- a "pencil shape" soldering iron (not
gun!) with a base that holds the iron and a wet
sponge.
While you don’t need an
expensive
one, the iron
can
make a big difference in the time needed to
build the kit. (Seriously. If you use one that is old
and busted, or an ultra-low-end $10 iron, expect
to spend at least twice as long soldering!)
Our recommendation for a low-cost iron:
WLC100 by Weller, about $40.
Assembly Step 1 – Tool Checklist
