[Boatanchors] newbie question

[Kenneth Grimm]

> A few basic tools like:
>
> Pliers:
> diagonal cutters
> needle nose
> round nose  ...  all in a 'bead landing' set
>
> Screwdrivers:
> 3-4 ordinaru
> 3 Phillips
> set nutdrivers
> set Allen keys (fractional)
>
> Optional:
> Bristol spline keys
> small crescent wrench
> small socket set
> small hack saw
> small files
>
> For much of this stuff, you might check out the beading dept at Michaels.
> It's not top of the line, but it's pretty good and with the 40% off
> coupons, pretty cheap.
>
> Radio Shack has a small iron I like, #64-093
> You will also need 60/40 or better 63/37 rosin core solder. 0.050" is a
> good size.
> Some Solder Wick is also useful
>
> Also a cheapish DMM, roughly $30. You NEED AC Volts, DC Volts, Ohms. The
> AC and DC current ranges are nice, but not essential.
>
> Also, some Q-Tips, alcohol, oil.
>
> That's a fair start.
>
> YMMV,
>
> -John
>
>
To supplement John's list above, if you know as little about radios as it
would seem from your question, I would add at least one good book on radio
servicing.  My favorite is *Elements of Radio Servicing* by Marcus and
Levy.  Either the second or third editions are excellent.  I've never seen
a copy of the first edition so I can't compare it to the others. They are
usually available on abebooks.com and on eBay and the prices vary wildly.
 The best buys appear to be on eBay at the moment.  Get a copy and read it
through a couple of times...or more...until you understand what is going on
in a radio circuit.  Then get out your tools and go to work.

Don't let my first sentence above annoy you.  We all had to start
somewhere...but I would suggest that you start "small."  Work on a simple 5
tube AM receiver at first before you tackle a 20 tube communications
receiver.

Welcome to a fascinating and rewarding part of our hobby!

Finally, do not screw down all of the "loose" screws in those metal cans!
 Resist the temptation to do so.  Trust me on this.

73,

-- 
Ken - K4XL
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