11-27-2015, 06:40 PM
OK then, I'll keep that in mind Ed. I just don't know that I want to shell out $300 + for a soldering iron. For the amount of soldering work I do I really don't need an industrial quality tool. Although it is nice to be able to solder a joint without having to wait 30 minutes for the iron to heat up. 
In hindsight, I really screwed up when I joined the USAF. They told me at that time, based on the aptitude tests they gave me - I could choose a job in electronics repair or aircraft maintenance. They provided all the training either way. I should have chosen door # 1 instead. It would have been a much more useful skill to have later on in life as it turns out.
I can do simple repairs, but I'm out in the weeds when it comes to designing circuits or working with chip sets and surface mount components etc. I do remember going up to the local drug store and using their vacuum tube tester when I was a kid though. They even sold new tubes!!!
In hindsight, I really screwed up when I joined the USAF. They told me at that time, based on the aptitude tests they gave me - I could choose a job in electronics repair or aircraft maintenance. They provided all the training either way. I should have chosen door # 1 instead. It would have been a much more useful skill to have later on in life as it turns out.
I can do simple repairs, but I'm out in the weeds when it comes to designing circuits or working with chip sets and surface mount components etc. I do remember going up to the local drug store and using their vacuum tube tester when I was a kid though. They even sold new tubes!!!
Willie