Breadboards are essential components for technicians looking to set up DIY electronics connections. These simple yet pretty useful gadgets help beginners and amateurs acquaint themselves with electronic circuits in the comfort of their homes. Doing so allows them to master the art of circuitry within a short time and without having to strain a lot.
Moreover, experts utilize these gadgets to test circuits before integrating them into larger projects. Doing so helps them catch errors in the circuitry early before using it on the larger project, which helps them save on damages.
There are two breadboards in the market today, solderable and solderless. And just as the names dictate, solderless breadboards help technicians make simple circuits without having to solder cables onto the board. On the other hand, solderable breadboards tend to be more complex as technicians can solder cables to make permanent connections. However, even though they are complex, solderable breadboards help technicians make connections that last longer. Hence they are pretty beneficial in the long run. Therefore, we shall focus on the solderable breadboards and everything that makes these boards unique.
Solderable Breadboards in a Nutshell
Solderable breadboards contain holes that you can utilize to connect electronic components onto the board. After connecting the necessary electronic component, you can then solder the components onto the board using a soldering iron. The soldering iron connects the electrical components onto the board’s copper tracing, making a permanent connection.
On the other hand, if you want to design a simple circuit, you will require jumper cables. These jumper cables will act as a link between different components. However, you will have to solder each jumper cable separately and between the components. After doing so, these jumper cables will let current flow from one element to another, generating a nice circuit.
Moreover, solderable breadboards come in varying sizes. Therefore, you can select the size that suits your project.
Advantages of utilizing a Solderable Breadboard over Solderless
When working with a solderable breadboard, you are going to enjoy the following benefits:
Robustness
Solderable breadboards tend to be pretty robust. Therefore, you can explore different circuitries on these boards without feeling as if you are pushing the board too much.
Moreover, these boards help you make permanent connections that do not come apart quickly. Therefore, you can create complex circuitries without worrying about specific components falling off.
Custom look
Solderable breadboards help you develop circuits that have a custom look. Therefore, if you utilize these components in your project, you can always be sure that the results will be unique.
Time and Cost Saver
Solderable breadboards help you save on time and cost. That is because these breadboards create a permanent circuit that stays functional for longer. You hence don’t have to make reconnections to test out your circuits.
Disadvantages of Solderable Breadboards
Reusability
Since solderable breadboards make permanent circuits, you can only utilize them once. Therefore, you can’t reuse them on other projects.
Repairing
If you make a mistake when soldering components onto the breadboard, repairing the error might do more bad than good to the board. That is because the process of de-soldering tends to damage the breadboard and the component alike. Hence, when working with solderable breadboards, you should be extra careful and avoid errors at all costs.
The Connection Layout of a Solderable Breadboard
Solderable breadboards typically include several connection holes (tiny sockets) that technicians utilize to make connections. These small holes have a 0.1 grid arrangement on the breadboard, which leaves enough space to make connections.
Moreover, most electrical components that technicians utilize on these breadboards come bearing connection terminals. These are the terminals that you place directly inside the connection holes to connect an electrical component to the board. To secure the component, you have to solder the terminals to the board’s copper traces.
Also, when connecting ICs (integrated circuits), you must arrange them across the center gap through their notch or dot to the left.
On the other hand, when designing a jumper cable, you must utilize a wire bearing a plastic coating. Doing so reduces the chances of short circuits occurring, potentially damaging the board. Moreover, the jumper cable must have a diameter of about 0.6mm for easier handling.
Solderable Breadboard Component Compatibility Factor
Solderable breadboards are compatible with various electronic components such as:
- Diodes
- Switches
- Capacitors
- Resistors etc
Moreover, these components fall further into two different categories:
The Lead Category
The lead category includes electrical components that bear long metal legs or terminals.
The Pins Category
On the other hand, the pins category includes electrical components with short metal legs or terminals.
However, you should note that components from these two categories function correctly through a solderable breadboard.
Tips to make use of when working with a Solderable Breadboard
Wires
Avoid using stranded wires on the breadboard when working with a solderable breadboard. That’s because stranded wires tend to be thick, which makes them challenging to manipulate.
Instead, it would help if you opted to utilize jumper or solid core cables. These cables are durable, thin, and easy to manipulate when creating connections on the board.
Joining Solderable Breadboards
If you are working on a large project, you can easily merge two solderable breadboards to generate more working area. Doing so can save you a lot of time and make your project look neat and custom.
Jumper Cables
Do not throw away the wires you cut when cutting capacitors and resistor lead. Instead, you can utilize these cables as jumper cables saving time and money.
Moreover, these component terminals have a nice core and are great conductors of electricity. Plus they tend to be easy to manipulate making them great jumper cables.
Type of Solder to utilize
Two varieties of solder exist that you can utilize on a breadboard:
- Lead and Tin solder
- Tin and silver solder (lead-free)
You can utilize any of these solder components on a solderable breadboard with little to no hassle. However, it would help if you remembered that tin and silver solder require more heat to melt. Therefore, you must utilize a high-wattage soldering iron to do the job.
Conclusion
Solderable breadboards are pretty helpful in the electrical industry. Their time and money-saving characteristics make them a go-to product to multiple individuals. Moreover, since their connections are permanent, they ease portability issues. Therefore, if you are in a dilemma regarding the type of breadboard to utilize, we suggest you try the solderable breadboard. It makes your job easier and better in the long run.
