Source: https://fullstackelectronics.com/the-bench

# The Bench

The equipment you'll use, what it does, and when you'll need it.

The instruments let you see what your circuit is doing: where the voltages change, when a transistor switches, and how the timer produces a pulse. You don't need to know how to use them yet. Each experiment guides you through the connections, settings and measurements.

Compare what you already own or can borrow with the features below. The named models are the ones I use, and the course gives button-by-button instructions for them. Other models can work too: each instruction explains what you're trying to do, so you can find the equivalent control on yours.

![Three Siglent instruments on a shelf: the SDG1062X function generator stacked on the SPD3303X-E bench power supply at left, power supply output 1 set to 5.00 volts with the outputs off, and the SDS1104X-E oscilloscope at right showing a flat trace.](https://fullstackelectronics.com/assets/img/bench-reference-instruments.jpg)

The reference bench: the SDG1062X function generator on top of the SPD3303X-E power supply, and the SDS1104X-E oscilloscope beside them.

For Stages One to Three: measurement instruments, cables, breadboards, basic wiring tools and a hair dryer or heat gun.

For Stage Four: a computer for circuit design and simulation, then soldering tools and magnification for assembly. You can leave those preparations until you reach that stage.

The components are listed separately in [The Parts](https://fullstackelectronics.com/the-parts.html.md). The checklist at the end of this page helps you track the equipment.

## Measurement equipment · Stages One to Three

[TABLE]

## Breadboards and small stock

- Three full-size breadboards. I use BusBoard BB830 breadboards. You need one each for the chip, IC and transistor builds. Keep them assembled so that you can compare the timers later in the course. Firm, reliable contacts make troubleshooting easier.
- 22 AWG solid-core hook-up wire and jumper leads. Cut the solid wire to length for connections on each board. Use jumper leads between boards.
- Fine long-nose pliers and flush cutters to bend and trim wires and component leads.
- Wire strippers for the 22 AWG solid core (the reference bench uses the [Engineer PA-06](https://thepihut.com/products/engineer-pa-06-pro-wire-strippers-awg16-awg30), rated AWG16 to AWG30).

## Assembly bench · Stage Four

You solder the surface-mount components onto your PCB and inspect the connections before you apply power. The course guides you through the assembly, and you can assemble the board with a soldering iron. The resistors and transistors are small, so good lighting, magnification and a stable work surface matter.

| Tool | Reference bench | Features and use |
|----|----|----|
| Soldering station | [JBC CD-2BQF](https://kaisertech.co.uk/jbc-cd-2bqf-general-purpose-soldering-station) | Temperature control and a small chisel or fine conical tip suitable for the pads. It should hold its temperature while you solder pads that connect to larger areas of copper. |
| Magnification | [AmScope SM-3](https://amscope.co.uk/products/sm-3ntp-1?variant=46533620891997) stereo microscope | Enough magnification to read component markings and inspect individual solder joints. A stereo microscope gives room to work beneath it. You can also use a 10× loupe for inspection. A USB microscope is another option if its working distance and image delay let you work comfortably. |
| Fume extraction | Hakko FA-400 fan with a carbon filter (its limits are in the next column) | Capture solder fumes close to the joint and keep your face out of the plume. Choose extraction intended for soldering fumes, with suitable filtration or exhaust outdoors. Do not assume that a basic fan with a thin carbon filter gives adequate control. See [HSE's solder-fume guidance](https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg249.pdf). |

- Consumables and hand tools: fine solder wire (0.5–0.7 mm), no-clean flux gel, solder wick, isopropyl alcohol and swabs, and fine ESD-safe tweezers.
- Optional: an ESD mat and wrist strap for protection against static discharge.

## Computer and software · Stage Four

You use [KiCad](https://www.kicad.org/) to draw the schematic and design the PCB layout, and ngspice to simulate the circuit. The instructions use KiCad 10. Before you install it, check the [system requirements](https://www.kicad.org/help/system-requirements/) for your computer.

You don't need to learn KiCad in advance. [Experiment 15](https://fullstackelectronics.com/experiments/15-schematic-capture.html.md) introduces schematic capture. [Experiment 16](https://fullstackelectronics.com/experiments/16-the-smoke-test.html.md) guides you through the simulation, including the terminal commands. Have KiCad, its standard libraries and ngspice ready when you reach those experiments.

## Checklist

Tick each item when you have it. This browser saves the ticks, and they are still here when you return.

### Measurement equipment

Bench power supply: two independently adjustable outputs and a current limit

Oscilloscope: two or more channels, X-Y mode, cursors, persistence

Function generator: a triangle around 100 Hz, adjustable upper and lower voltages, and a HiZ load setting

Multimeter: DC volts with 0.01 V resolution around 5 V, milliamps, resistance and continuity

One BNC cable, a BNC T-piece, a BNC-to-mini-hook lead, the oscilloscope probes, power supply leads and multimeter leads

Hair dryer, or a heat gun with a low setting

### Breadboards and small stock

Three full-size breadboards

22 AWG solid-core hook-up wire and a handful of jumper leads

Fine long-nose pliers and flush cutters

Wire strippers for 22 AWG solid-core wire

### Assembly bench (Stage Four)

Temperature-controlled soldering station with a fine tip

Magnification for reading markings and inspecting solder joints

Solder-fume extraction suitable for the workspace

Solder wire (0.5–0.7 mm), flux gel, wick, isopropyl alcohol, swabs, ESD-safe tweezers

### Computer and software (Stage Four)

Computer that meets KiCad's system requirements

KiCad 10 with standard libraries and ngspice available

[Next: The Parts →](https://fullstackelectronics.com/the-parts.html.md)