STEP 1: Tool Checklist
Essential
tools:
Needed to build the kit:
1. Soldering iron + solder
1. Resistor lead forming tool
3. Hot Glue Gun
Optional
but recommended:
Allows fast, neat bending of resistor leads.
This one is Speedy Bend 801, Mouser part
#5166-801 (~$8)
For clipping loose wire ends close to the circuit board.
e.g., Sears Craftsman
A basic soldering iron meant for electronics, with a reasonably
fine 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. A tip in good condition (a “tinned” tip)
should get shiny when hot-- able to melt and wet to solder.
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 a $10 radio shack iron,
or that thing from the dollar store, please expect to spend at
least twice as long soldering!)
Our recommendation for a low-cost iron:
model WLC100 by Weller, about $40.
[Meggy Jr RGB]
[3]
2. Angle flush cutters
For various nimble-fingered tasks.
e.g., Sears Craftsman. The Sears Craftsman #45671
mini-plier set includes both the clippers and pliers
shown here.
3. Small fine-point plier set
(Alkaline recommended.)
4. AAA batteries (3)
You’ll also need some solder. Thin rosin-core solder (roughly
.020 - .040” in diameter) is the most common and best choice
for this application. Either standard (lead-bearing) or newer
“lead free” solder types will both work just fine.
Just one dab of glue for strain relief, near the end.
2. Wire strippers
There’s one place near the end of the build where it’s
convenient (but optional) to shorten and strip two
wires. This model is our favorite: Ideal T-Stripper
#45-121 (the 14-24 gauge size).
And
for Programming...
Reprogramming Meggy Jr is not required, but if you wish to do so, you’ll need some things.
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 Meggy Jr. This allows you to
program Meggy Jr through the Arduino development
environment (http://arduino.cc/).
Alternately, Meggy Jr can be programmed through an AVR
ISP programmer, like the USBtinyISP.
2. Computer, Internet access, USB port....
All of the software that you’ll need is available online for
free. You’ll need a reasonably recent vintage computer (Mac,
Windows, or Linux) and internet access.
Get started here: http://www.evilmadscientist.com/go/meggyjr
