Unboxing the Hakko FX-888 Soldering Station - Q Source, Inc.

Curious about what comes with the hot, new Hakko FX-888 ESD-Safe Soldering Station? Want to see some of its best features & benefits? Then check out our "On the Bench" video Unboxing the Hakko FX-888 Soldering Station. This 2-minute video will walk you through the contents of the box and point out some of the highlights of Hakko's replacement to the popular 936-12 station.

Be sure to look for more "On the Bench" videos on QSource.com and on our YouTube channel.

Please view or download a transcript for this video. You can find transcripts for all of our "On the Bench"
videos on

The QSource.com Social Media Box - One-Click Access to All of Our Content

Can we talk? Have you heard about the quick and easy way to access all of Q Source's social media feeds? Just log on to QSource.com and look for the "Q Source is Social!" section of our homepage. There you go! A convenient Social Media Box.

Featuring one-click access to our Twitter feed, Facebook page, Q Source Resource Blog, RSS feed, and a link to subscribe to our eNewsletter. Another great resource from Q Source!

UPDATE (April 26, 2011): The Q Source Social Media Box now includes a direct link to our YouTube Channel. Give it a click and check out our latest videos—including our new "On the Bench" series.

Follow Q Source every day in every way for the best in industry news, product reviews, special offers, and more!

"Soldering Is Easy" - A Comic Book Tutorial for Newbies

What's the best way to learn how to solder? How about reading a comic book? "Soldering Is Easy" is a new how-to comic now available for free download from the MightyOhm Web site.

Our resident soldering expert (and comic book lover), Q-Bot, was impressed with the way the authors (Mitch Altman, Andie Nordgren, and Jeff Keyzer) were able to combine useful information with a sense of humor and eye-catching graphics in a way that was truly educational. Q-Bot loved how this eight-page comic book taught the basics of soldering techniques and tools while stressing safety at all times.

And if after you've read "Soldering Is Easy" you
find yourself in a state of flux (pun intended) about where to buy your new soldering equipment, head on over to QSource.com and check out our extensive selection of soldering stations, soldering accessories, and safety wear. Q-Bot would also love to hear of other leads (pun intended...again) on soldering resources and how-to's. So, remember, if you have any great soldering tips (okay, okay, last one...we promise) please send them our way.

What to Look Out for When Hiring a Robot [infographic]

Hiring a robot - not as easy as it sounds! If your company is considering bringing on a spokesbot, like Q Source's Q Bot, then maybe this How to Hire a Robot infographic will prove useful. You can grab the full-size infographic here.

How to Hire a Robot

Become a Stickler for Clean Fiber Optic Networks with MicroCare Sticklers™

MicroCare Corporation's Sticklers™ fiber optic cleaning tools are formulated to clean dirty fiber optic networks. Unclean fiber optic components can experience a loss of light or degraded signal power, which can slow the network or even shut it down completely.

MicroCare's Sticklers have been specifically formulated to provide techs with everything they need for fast, convenient, and reliable cleaning for just pennies a day. The Sticklers line of fiber optic cleaning solutions include:

• Sticklers Cleaning Fluid: used for cleaning jumpers or before splicing, this is a fast-drying, non-flammable liquid that delivers faster, more consistent cleaning. Replaces IPA alcohol, which is often used on fiber.
• CleanStixx™: patented cleaning "swabs" that fit inside alignment sleeves on fiber optic connectors. CleanStixx clean any size or configuration connector (LC connectors, ribbon connectors, military connectors, biconic, SCA connectors for FTTh applications, SMA 905 AIR connectors).
• CleanWipes™: used for cleaning jumpers or before splicing, they work best when used with the Sticklers Cleaning Fluid. Techs will love their high-volume, high-speed cleaning abilities.
• Sticklers Cleaning Kits: a compilation of everything a tech would need for fast and reliable cleaning. Also available in a military-ready configuration.

QSource.com is now offering the entire line of Sticklers cleaners so you can create a fiber optic cleaning system to meet your needs. Visit the MicroCare Sticklers fiber optic cleaning tools section of our Web site or call our helpful experts at 800-966-6020 and learn about low-cost solutions for creating fast, clean fiber optic networks.