Sometimes your tools just don’t work. When I receive a new shipment of jumper wires I randomly test them for continuity.   Even reputable shops sometimes get a shipment with duds. Save yourself frustration and time by testing your tools before you begin prototyping.   Set your multimeter to audible continuity and place a probe at each end of […]

  Threading a hand sewing needle with conductive thread can be an impossible task. The thread is too fat. The eye of the need to small. The thread frays and splits. And once you finally get the thread thru the eye of the needle you realize the needle is too large to fit thru the electronic hardware. Frustrating, yes? Try […]

  This is stranded hook up wire that I purchased from eBay.   It comes pre-tinned.   A comparison of solid core to stranded wires.

The LulzBot Hacker Space 3D Printer Giveaway is a chance for hackers who build, hack, make, and create to add 3D printing to their “things to do” list. PRIZE: One LulzBot AO-100 Desktop 3D Printer to 8 lucky hacker spaces. WHO QUALIFIES: Any community-operated physical hacker space, where people meet and work on their projects. Your hacker space must meet these hacker […]

Aligator clips are valuable prototyping tool when temporarily connecting circuits. They clamp on to conductive threads and fabrics just as effectively as microprocessors and battery holders.  You can find them online or at your local hardware store. They like to knot up on your workbench.   Or you can attempt to keep them organized.   They come in different sizes […]

Tiny travel multimeter only 3.5″ x 1.75″ Unfortunately this one does not sound on continuity tests

  Teasing threads apart can be pesky tiresome business. That is until I hacked together a mechanical drafting pencil and a used sewing machine needle. The lead holder firmly grasps the shaft of the sewing machine needle allowing you to separate the weft threads from the warp.  

I began digging thru the supplies searching for a set of helping hands and…. I found a Fluke 75 with additional probes too. SEXY TOOL JACKPOT WIN!