Guides
Guides & extras
Practical guides from BSD Wares.
Guide
A Night Out in Manchester, NH: Venues and Practical Tips
Plan a night out in Manchester, New Hampshire: arena concerts, the historic Palace Theatre, minor-league baseball, art and science, plus getting around.
Guide
Tin Whiskers, Explained: What They Are and Why They Matter
Tin whiskers are hair-like metal growths that can short electronics. Learn what they are, why lead-free finishes revived concern and how risk is managed.
Guide
Lead-Free Solder Basics: What Changed and What to Know
A plain-English guide to lead-free solder: why the industry moved away from lead, how it behaves differently at the bench and what to check first.
Guide
Counterfeit Electronic Parts: Red Flags to Watch For
How to spot counterfeit electronic components: sourcing warning signs, packaging and marking clues, physical red flags and what to do about a suspect lot.
Guide
ESD Safety at the Bench: Protecting Sensitive Electronics
What electrostatic discharge is, why invisible zaps can ruin chips, and practical habits for a static-safe electronics bench at home or in the workshop.
Guide
Through-Hole vs Surface Mount: How the Two Compare
Through-hole vs surface mount explained: how each component style attaches to a board, where each makes sense, and how soldering and inspection differ.
Guide
A Maker Weekend in Southern New Hampshire
A maker-minded weekend in Southern New Hampshire: Millyard history, a hands-on science center, art, a historic theater and a classic wooden coaster.
Guide
Game Night at the Arena: SNHU Arena Tips for Manchester
Planning a game or show at SNHU Arena in Manchester, NH? Its history, what to expect, getting there and practical tips for a smooth night out downtown.
Guide
How to Read a Component Datasheet: A Plain-English Guide
Learn how to read an electronic component datasheet: the summary, absolute maximum ratings, electrical characteristics, packaging and soldering notes.
Guide
Soldering Iron Care: Keep Your Tip Clean, Tinned and Working
Plain-English soldering iron care: tinning the tip, cleaning without damage, sensible temperatures, storage and the habits that make tips last longer.
Guide
Concert Hearing Protection: Enjoy the Show, Keep Your Ears
Practical hearing protection for concerts and loud nights out in Southern New Hampshire: earplug types, where to stand, breaks and warning signs to heed.
Guide
Inspection Under Magnification: What to Look For in Joints
How electronics are inspected under magnification: loupes and stereo microscopes, lighting, and the solder joint defects inspectors look for on a board.