Soldering Advice for Components

It is very tempting to start soldering components onto the circuit board straight away, but please take time to identify all the parts first. You are much less likely to make a mistake if you do this!

    Components stuck onto paper
  1. Stick all the components onto a sheet of paper using sticky tape.
  2. Identify each component and write its name or value beside it.
  3. Add the code (R1, R2, C1 etc.) if necessary.
    Many projects from books and magazines label the components with codes (R1, R2, C1, D1 etc.) and you should use the project's parts list to find these codes if they are given.
  4. Resistor values can be found using the resistor colour code which is explained on our Resistors page. You can print out and make your own Resistor Colour Code Calculator to help you.
  5. Capacitor values can be difficult to find because there are many types with different labelling systems! The various systems are explained on our Capacitors page