Totally solder-less amplifier kits?

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Joined 2015
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Thanks XRK, many good tips here. Will check out the links.

Something similar to the experimental kit is what got me really started on electronics in 1990. I connected a transistor radio, oscillator, and other circuits. Then I soldered together a transistor radio using the circuit from the kit. It worked. I put together a set of speakers.

After my failed (loud buzzing / hum ) amplifier project in 1995 I just gave up until 2015 when my stereo broke down.

Thanks for the recommendation of the JLH. After the antiseptic Lepai type amplifier I bought in 2015 I gave up on commercial amps. I am very wary of buying amp kits. The shipping costs $85 to where I live so maybe that has to wait, but the components are available. Maybe the circuit is available somewhere.

The Weller soldering gun " the Weller D550 heats in just 6 seconds". Let's say that would change my soldering environment..quicker than you can snap fit a wire.

What solder do you recommend?
 
Another one.


Patrick

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The Weller soldering gun " the Weller D550 heats in just 6 seconds".

That one has the following in the specs:
Tip Temperature 1,100°F - 900°F

This is approximately 480-590, which is too hot IMO for successful soldering of through hole components.


I don't understand why it is so hard to get a simple, normal soldering iron and some 60/40 and practice. Positive airflow to keep the fumes away from your face and happy days.
 
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Founder of XSA-Labs
Joined 2012
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I only mentioned the monster Weller gun because that’s what I was first introduced to soldering when I was about 6 years old by my father. I was thinking, don’t all DIY dads have this iron?

Nowadays, you can get a variable temp iron that accepts Hakko compatible tips with stand and accessories for $10. I have one of these as a backup “travel” iron and they work very well. Absolutely reliable. Even better than $50 ones.

Mini Soldering Iron Adjustable Temperature Electric Solder Iron Rework Station Mini Handle Heat Pencil Welding Repair Tools 60W|Electric Soldering Irons| - AliExpress

My go-to main iron is now a Weller WE1010NA. Works like a champ and super stable and heats up fast.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077JDGY1...abc_QDFXSTXQPSENTEHS130W?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

If we have a soldering iron and some thick copper wire, P2P amps like this Juma designed F5 is a lot of fun. No PCB needed.
574333d1476267068-f5-2sk2013-2sj313-f5-j313-k2013-capacitance-multiplier-works.jpg
 
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