I know there is a beginners FAQ, and I will read that, but I just have a few questions to get me started.
1) Is there any difference between American and British electronics. Reason I ask is I noticed several American/Canadian posters, but didn't see any British ones, and I'm from Scotland. Just before I make this forum my home.
2)I bought a basic electronic tool kit, comprising of a soldering iron, multimeter, screwdrivers, wire strippers etc. The whole kit only cost £9.99, and so I know I'm not getting the absolute best quality tools, but I don't want to spend loads of cash, just incase I don't get into electronics/robotics.
Now, the soldering iron comes without a stand, so I know I need to buy one. However, the iron (when at it's hottest I suppose) emmits smoke from the whole rod, even without touching the metal with anything. Is this normal, or do I have a faulty product? The smoke is rather smelly. ( I can post a pic of the iron if that helps)
3) Is there any project you would recommend me to start with? In my local electrical shop, they have robot kits, and other "basic" circuit board type kits, but am unsure of the skill needed. I don't want to try them if they are aimed at 8 year olds (I'm 25). I have absolutely no knowledge of electronics, but am fairly intelligent, so will hopefully pick the basics up quickly. Again, I know there is an FAQ, and I'll get round to reading it all, I just don't want to do loads of reading, and then find that I don't like the practical aspect of electronics.
I think that's all my questions just now.
Thanks for reading, and I look forward to reading your answers.
1) Is there any difference between American and British electronics. Reason I ask is I noticed several American/Canadian posters, but didn't see any British ones, and I'm from Scotland. Just before I make this forum my home.
2)I bought a basic electronic tool kit, comprising of a soldering iron, multimeter, screwdrivers, wire strippers etc. The whole kit only cost £9.99, and so I know I'm not getting the absolute best quality tools, but I don't want to spend loads of cash, just incase I don't get into electronics/robotics.
Now, the soldering iron comes without a stand, so I know I need to buy one. However, the iron (when at it's hottest I suppose) emmits smoke from the whole rod, even without touching the metal with anything. Is this normal, or do I have a faulty product? The smoke is rather smelly. ( I can post a pic of the iron if that helps)
3) Is there any project you would recommend me to start with? In my local electrical shop, they have robot kits, and other "basic" circuit board type kits, but am unsure of the skill needed. I don't want to try them if they are aimed at 8 year olds (I'm 25). I have absolutely no knowledge of electronics, but am fairly intelligent, so will hopefully pick the basics up quickly. Again, I know there is an FAQ, and I'll get round to reading it all, I just don't want to do loads of reading, and then find that I don't like the practical aspect of electronics.
I think that's all my questions just now.
Thanks for reading, and I look forward to reading your answers.