SparkFun Offers Classes on How to Solder and Program Electronics

Three consecutive days of hands-on classes to help attendees learn how to solder and program their own Simon Says memory game

News provided by

SparkFun Electronics

Mar 06, 2012, 09:06 ET

BOULDER, Colo., March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boulder-based SparkFun Electronics (http://www.sparkfun.com), provider of parts, knowledge and passion for electronics creation, today announced it will host three consecutive days of classes to teach people how to solder and program their own customized version of the Simon Says memory game using a few of SparkFun's most popular kits. Classes are designed for all types of learners – from beginners to seasoned tinkerers. People who want to learn basic and intermediate soldering and programming skills in less than a week are encouraged to take all three classes.

"We are very excited to offer these classes to the community," said Lindsay Levkoff, director of education at SparkFun. "We've been teaching soldering classes for years, but having three days of consecutive classes to teach basic soldering, intermediate soldering and a way to turn your Simon game into a drawing tool on your computer is something beginners and experienced tinkerers will really enjoy."

The following are overviews of each class being offered:

PTH Soldering Class - March 20th (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/11090)
If you've never soldered before, this is the class for you! This will be a hands-on class where students learn techniques to help them solder through-hole components. Soldering can be daunting for the first solder joint, but as you go, it will become easier to learn and apply.

SMD Soldering Class - March 21st (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/11094)
The SMD Soldering Class is our very popular hands-on course that teaches students techniques to help them solder surface mount components. It is highly recommended that students have a strong background in soldering, as basic soldering skills will not be covered. For students that know their way around a soldering iron, teachers will share some advanced tips and tricks (flux, wicking, hot-air rework, etc.).

Simon Sketch Class - March 22nd (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/11095)
The Simon Sketch class is for people who want to learn how to turn their Simon game into a drawing tool on their computer. Add a breadboard, a few dials, an FTDI connecting your Simon to Processing on your computer and you're ready to go! With the knowledge of how to connect Simon (or Arduino) to a computer interface, the tinkering possibilities are endless. This class is intended for people with at least a little experience with Arduino programming, but little or no experience with processing. Students should bring in their own Simons and teachers will show them how to get started.

Each class will begin promptly at 6 p.m. and will last a few hours. Simon kits are included in the price of the class and SparkFun will provide all of the tools, irons and solder for the two soldering classes. For further information on the course prerequisites and what to bring to the Simon Sketch class, please visit the website listed above under "Simon Sketch Class."

"We've seen people as young as five and as old as 80 participate in our soldering classes, which demonstrates that DIY electronics projects are very fun, approachable and affordable for people of all ages," continued Levkoff. "We hope to build upon our past success and look to continue offering classes every month here at our offices in Boulder."

For a list of all upcoming classes available at SparkFun, please visit: (http://www.sparkfun.com/categories/154).

About SparkFun Electronics

Founded in 2003, SparkFun shares its passion by providing parts, knowledge, and innovation for those looking to explore the world of embedded electronics. It helps anyone discover their inner inventor and enables individuals to create their own electronics projects.

SparkFun currently offers more than 1,800 products, ranging from simple components, like capacitors and resistors, to GPS units and Bluetooth modules. The company employs 140 people and is based in Boulder, Colorado.

Find SparkFun on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/SparkFun), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/SparkFun), Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/SparkFun), YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/SparkFun), Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/SparkFun), and Google+ (https://plus.google.com/106084846822083498483/posts)