What Tools Should You Buy For Modding Retro Consoles?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 11 лип 2024
- If you're looking to start modding your own retro consoles, the best place to start is putting together some basic tools for console modding.
From soldering irons and flux, to tweezers and screwdrivers, this list of tools isn't just for beginners. I use all these tools every time I work on a mod.
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Amazon Affiliate Links to Recommended Tools:
Hakko FX888D: amzn.to/3kuBaav
KSGER Soldering Iron: amzn.to/3b0fzU2
Kester Solder: amzn.to/3iXMOdd
Hakko FR-301 Desoldering Gun: amzn.to/2L1ah0p
Flux Pen: amzn.to/3pybv2b
Flux Paste: amzn.to/3orLpfT
Solder Wick: amzn.to/2YpD4Pd
Solder Sucker: amzn.to/3sBDA9U
Tweezers: amzn.to/3t6kABv
Ribbon Cable: amzn.to/2YuM9Xf
Wire Cutters: amzn.to/2M9QjBo
Wire Strippers: amzn.to/3cAzomn
iFixit Kit: amzn.to/36mfZ4E
Isopropyl Alcohol: amzn.to/3syHccS
CAMERA GEAR
Sony A6600 - amzn.to/3iYyIIs
Sony 16-55mm F2.8 lens - amzn.to/2KZa3H5
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:27 Soldering Iron
2:25 Solder
2:52 Flux
3:29 Solder Wick
3:42 Solder Sucker
3:57 Tweezers
4:18 Wire
4:41 Side Cutters
4:51 Wire Strippers
5:04 Screwdriver Bits
5:23 Isopropyl Alcohol - Ігри
You forgot to mention a hammer, when you get frustrated..... 😂
Great video. I would also like to add a good desk light and magnifier has been invaluable to me in console modding. My eyes are not what they used to be and lighting and magnification make all the difference.
The extra stuff in lower percentages of isopropyl is just water. The white haze you might see when it evaporates is really just stuff it dissolved as a mild solvent and redeposited. :)
I use a Hakko clone with the same tips as your Hakko 888D but the biggest advantage of cartridge-style irons is responsiveness and thermal recovery enabling lower temps.
All checked off already on what I have other than the calibration. I do have one of those helping hands as I work with other small electronics and DIY kits every now and then just for fun. Having something to hold the small boards in place helps a ton. Can't forget about having patience and to begin with small projects that won't overwhelm you if you've never done any modding before.
Great video. Solid advice. Thank you.
the hakko fr-301 is the best for mechanical keyboard modding, and recapping boards and such.
Yes, I used it recently on a keyboard I put together
Great video 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻
Thanks for watching!
Great video!
I'd recommend a basic multi meter if only for continuity testing to make sure you don't have anything shorted, and it's useful to verify fuses and test point voltages on various hardware.
As mentioned below, a good heat resistant non conductive soldering mat is useful for a variety of reasons.
And maybe a tiny bit beyond "the beginners basic toolkit"... but perhaps some low melt solder? They can be used to remove and quad flat packs without hot air and can help with huge ground plane work.
Really nice video, thanks!
Awesome suggestions! I should have included a multimeter, but I'll try to cover it in a future video
Great video!
But the soldering station in Fahrenheit? Oh Boy :D
Haha, old habit I guess
@@dubesinhower I'm european and I hate the imperial system :-/. No offense to murica or whatever, but imperial units are just so outdated and not "userfriendly" imo
I was more annoyed to see how you change the temp. WTF Hakko? Mess around with buttons like some ancient digital alarm clock? Ever hear of a rotating knob? 😂 Made me really appreciate how easy it is to change the temp on the KSGER.
Just come across to sub from the Facebook modding post you put up. 👍
Awesome, thanks for taking the time to check out the video!
Great iron recommendation. Guys, if you are watching this don't buy a 30 dollar ebay special 2-in-1. Buy right, buy once.
and one of those helping hand thingies that help you hold what you are soldering
It’s worth mentioning the use of a heat resistant, non conductive surface. Silicone mats like the one shown in your video are inexpensive and will save a lot of hassle down the road.
I went back and forth about including it, it is really helpful
What about a work bench to perform the work on. Do you have any recommendations on a modestly sized work bench for modding consoles on?
It depends on your budget and where in your house you want it. Home Depot has some nice work benches made out of solid wood: www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-62-in-Adjustable-Height-Work-Bench-Table-HOLT62XDB12/301810799?MERCH=REC-_-pipsem-_-312383950-_-301810799-_-N&
They aren't very deep though (2 feet).
I currently use an Uplift V2 commercial, and being able to sit or stand is very helpful when modding for a few hours
Make sure to check out the awesome tool suggestions in the comments!
If you're new, check out my modding playlist! ua-cam.com/video/8n47RHF_ROM/v-deo.html
For wire you recommend 28 AWG ribbon cable. I did some looking and found a few, but wasn't sure which one to get. I'm still a bit new to soldering, is there anything else I should be mindful of when buying wire?
In the description, I have a listing for the “Ribbon Wire” I use. Unfortunately most ribbon wire is just “okay”. It works, but IMO the sheath melts pretty easily
@@dubesinhower Ah I see, thanks for letting me know! The ones I keep seeing don't always specify the wire gauge. I guess another question would be, does gauge matter? All I know is that a higher gauge means a thinner wire, and vice versa if it's lower.
I read that "to determine what gauge wire you need, consider the carrying capacity and the amount of current the wire needs to conduct (measured in amperage or amps). Wire gauge is directly related to how many amps you need to run through it. The distance you need the wire to go can also impact the gauge of wire you need."