Page 406 - Hacking Roomba

Appendix A — Soldering and Safety Basics 387

figured out yet. They have higher melting points, can lead to mechanically weaker junctions,
and can disassociate into their component metals over time. Normal lead-based solder will
be available for a long time and will work with components for a long time. It’s proven and
works well.

Third-Hand/Helping-Hand
Electronic assembly was originally created by aliens with extra sets of arms. Not really, but
trying to hold a soldering iron, solder, wire, and board all at once makes you think that surely
this process wasn’t invented by humans. Fortunately, there is a large assortment of helping-hand
or third-hand tools that can assist you. Figure A-3 shows one type that has two spring-loaded
alligator clips on arms and a magnifying glass (which no one seems to use).
The alligator clips can be abrasive on boards and wires so to make them a bit gentler, slide
small bits of rubber tubing (such as heat-shrink tubing) on each jaw of the clips.

FIGURE A-3: Helping hands