yeah its a minefield. Id 100% recommend getting a basic kit first - even the first kit i got was a bit tricky with no experience.
Silver solder has a higher melting temperature than normal (tin/lead combo) and sets harder, so harder to fix if you balls it up.
However, apparently either should work - you can follow the comments from the maker of my kit here if youre interested. But i think the other stuff would be easier to work with, googling a few guides. Theres also lead free and leaded, which have various pros and cons, and depend on what your kit uses.
Maybe safetyboy can offer some advice here?
http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtop...&start=100
Yeah a solder pump basically sucks up solder you dont want. Its a nightmare getting it off otherwise. Like picking up runny, boiling hot (silver melts around 400deg C) treacle.
Bit depressing really, im apparently really crap at soldering. The whole thing was hard, im big and have big clumsy fingers, which really dont help with the tiny components.
Ill use this thread to keep updates etc. Ive got the shruthi being delivered so will definitely do a few more projects first. Starting to get quite expensive, spent ~£130 ish on tools and bits at mapling, £50 for the basic kit, £110 ish for the shruthi - prob going to need at least one or two more basic kits.
On the positive i have got a 'circuit-bent- toy out of it - makes some cool and interesting noises, albeit not the ones its supposed to. To his credit, the guy who makes the kit has offered to fix it for free if i post it to him.
The kit itself id def recommend, its very clear and well documented. Think a combination of the silver solder, and my inexperience cause the problems.
Having a decent workspace is also very important, i was perched over a freezer (washing machine sort of size) in the garage, because i cant solder in the house with little Henry. But it was cold and uncomfortable, which really didnt help. Im trying to freecycle an old desk. Lighting is also very important, I did have a desk lamp but not enough. These 'helping hands' things are also really useful-
But the costs do mount up - £50 on iron, £18 on solder (worng one too, doh), £10 on the hands, £20 on wirestripper, snips and small screwdrivers, bought a load of other bits for other projects too, batteries, wire, pcb board etc...
So its a long term thing really, tons of amazing projects around if you can get into it. But prob not worth it for just one project, makes the cost ridiculous.
Hope this is helpful, lets keep this thread going with all DIY type info.
Cheers
Ben