Page 168 - Making things move_ DIY mechanisms for inventors, hobbyists, and artists

Chapter 6 Options for Creating and Controlling Motion 147

• Soldering iron

• Solder (SparkFun TOL-09162)
• Stand, preferably with a sponge to wipe the tip on (like SparkFun TOL-09477)
• Helping hands (like SparkFun TOL-09317)

• Multitool with pliers or other pliers
• Rubbing alcohol (optional)
• Stiff brush (optional)

Recipe:

1. Plug your soldering iron in and set it on a stand.

CAUTION The soldering iron will get extremely hot!

2. Clean the motor wires and switch terminals or wires with rubbing alcohol and
a stiff brush. Although not strictly necessary, this step will make soldering a lot
easier and make the connection better.

3. Loop the bare metal end of the red wire from your motor into one of the legs
of the switch. Gently squish it with the pliers so it doesn’t jiggle around too
much. Turn the switch to the off position.

4. Position the switch in one of the clips of the helping hands so you don’t need
to hold it.

5. Unroll a little solder and touch it to the soldering iron tip. If the soldering iron
is at the right temperature, the solder will melt instantly and stick to the tip.
This is called tinning the tip, and makes your job easier.

6. Position your soldering iron on one side of the motor wire/switch connection.
After a few seconds, the wire from the motor and the switch leg will heat up.