Quick Question about the Kvasar...

**LucidAlex** · 07-17-2007 01:14 AM

Hey. I am thinking of building the Kvasar, and I am not sure whether or not you need a soldering iron. Anyone know?

And whats the programmer thing about?

The link to the kvasar: http://brindefalk.solarbotics.net/kvasar/kvasar.html

Thanks for any help anyone can provide!

-Alex

**Miskingo** · 07-21-2007 08:43 AM

It probably does require a soldering iron, but I can't be sure. The thing about programming is the code that makes the device work. (Not as confusing as it seems)

**P1nhead** · 07-21-2007 03:14 PM

That device looks somewhat dangerous if you put it together slightly off.

**OAR Raider** · 07-28-2007 02:28 AM

I don't know how to solder but I have looked it up before and my question is what should I practice on?

**Miskingo** · 07-29-2007 06:02 AM

They have books on it, but it's just as easy to learn by looking up "learning to solder" online. Start with small pieces of metal.

**OAR Raider** · 07-29-2007 03:30 PM

Also just to add to this you can buy a similar dream mask/goggle for 60 bucks.

**Vortex** · 07-29-2007 10:07 PM

Where?

**Bear** · 07-29-2007 10:18 PM

Soldering, especially on a circuit board like in the plans, is very easy. Put the wire in position, grab the soldering iron, hold the solder right where you want it, touch it with the iron, and it basically melts right on and sticks. If the board doesn't have connections on the underside, it's trickier and you'd need flux, and also a way of making the connections you need.

Honestly, building the PIC programmer is probably going to be the worst part of this project. Having the source code is one thing, but loading it onto the PIC can be tough - if you make your own programmer and you're not careful, it can just not work, or worse, fry the PIC. In university I did a project using PICs, but I used a commercial PIC programmer in the lab. Buying a PIC programmer though would defeat the purpose of making a cheap lucid aid though because they can be expensive.