The Best of Q Source's "On the Bench" How-to Videos

Q Source's YouTube Channel debuted our "On the Bench" video series back in April of 2011. On the Bench was created to be a series of product previews, demos, workflow solutions, and how-to's to provide our customers with the information needed to make better buying decisions. Our how-to and workflow solutions videos aim to help viewers get their jobs done easier.

We wanted to take a quick look at a few of our best how-to videos so far. From stereo microscopes to wire shelving units, we've offered some handy how-to’s and teachable tips.

How to Properly Focus a Stereo Microscope

In "How to Properly Focus a Stereo Microscope with the Unitron Z10 Series," Peter Indrigo of Unitron provided us with a great how-to on how to properly set up and focus a stereo microscope. Using Unitron's Z10 Zoom Stereo Microscope, Peter shows how easy it is to attain proper focus and avoid eyestrain.

Setting Up a 3M Model 724 Constant ESD Workstation Monitor

Our "3M Model 724 Constant ESD Workstation Monitor" video presents 3M rep David Leventhal demonstrating how to use and set up the Model 724 ESD Workstation Monitor. David explains how this unit continuously monitors the resistance of the operator and work surface ground connections.

Assembling a Metro Super Adjustable 2™ Super Erecta® Mobile Wire Shelving Unit

Two of our Q Source staff got together to help us with a "Metro Super Adjustable 2™ Super Erecta® Mobile Wire Shelving Unit Assembly." This step-by-step video shows just how easy it is to build your own Metro Mobile Shelving Cart.

Barcode Printing

Brady's BMP71 Portable Label Printer is a versatile printer. In our "Printing Barcodes with the Brady BMP71" video, we show you how to easily create and print a variety of barcodes.

Dimension 4 Assembly

Ever wonder how to build an IAC Dimension 4 Workbench? One of our Territory Account Specialists shows how easy it is in this "IAC Dimension 4 Workbench Assembly" On the Bench video.

Using Akro-Mils Bins for 5S/Lean

Akro-Mils offers many products for 5S and Lean. This "Akro-Mils Indicator™ Bins for 5S Process & Lean Manufacturing" video demonstrates how these two-toned BinTelligence Series bins help you "Stock, Pick, Flip, and Replenish."

For more information on any of these products, or to place an order, please visit QSource.com. You can also give us a call at 800-966-6020 or contact us via email. And make sure you check back at Q Source’s YouTube Channel for new videos coming soon.

If there's a product or topic you'd like to see The Q Source Resource write about please let us know. We'd also appreciate if you share this blog post with your friends and colleagues via the social media links below. If you have questions or comments about any of the products in this blog post, or related topics, please leave us a message in the comments section.

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AIM-ing to Learn More About Solder: AIM Solder’s Tim O'Neill Trains Q Source Staff

AIM Solder's Tim O'Neill

Tim O'Neill, Regional Sales Manager for AIM Solder, stopped by Q Source yesterday to help us continue our regular product training regimen. Tim spoke to us about AIM Solder products and solder in general.

Beginning his session by stating, "It's in everything you have that has an on-off switch," Tim took us through the history of AIM and of solder (did you know that King Tut's sarcophagus was soldered). He went on to speak about surface mount soldering, wave soldering, hand soldering, flux, and which AIM Solder product worked best with each application.

To further help us to be able to help you choose the correct solder, Tim provided us with a list of questions that aim (pun intended) to narrow your choice down to the correct product solution. For instance, here are some questions regarding solder paste that your answers to will help us suggest the perfect selection for your process:

1. Is it a tin-lead or lead-free application?
2. Do you need no-clean or water soluble?
3. Is it for a dispensing application?
4. Is it for printing or rework applications?
5. Are you using solder paste or gel flux?
6. Are you using SAC305, Sn/Bi & Sn/Bi/Ag, or SN100C?
7. Are you using SN100C & low-AG alloys or SAC305?

We want to thank Tim for his time and for sharing his extensive knowledge of AIM Solder products and the soldering process. The information provided to us will most definitely be a valuable tool in better serving our valued customers.



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Q Source Staff Member Delivers Keynote Speech at Young Autism Program Charitable Event

Dan Olawski delivers keynote address at
Young Autism Program Charitable Foundation
Annual Dinner/Dance

At Q Source we take great pride in the quality of our employees. Everyone at Q is committed to providing the best customer service experience possible, but there are some who go much further than that. Many of the folks at Q Source offer their own time, talent, and expertise to contribute in very meaningful ways in their communities or to raise awareness on important social issues. Dan Olawski, resident blogger and social media guru, is one of those people.

More used to writing blogs than giving speeches, Dan recently delivered the keynote address at the Young Autism Program Charitable Foundation (YAPCF) of DDI's Annual Dinner/Dance here on Long Island. Reflecting on his experiences as an autism parent and the need for autism education and awareness, Dan spoke to an audience of about 400 parents, teachers, and administrators gathered for the fundraising event.

"I'd never spoken in front of that many people before and was extremely nervous. But I relaxed after I realized how important the topic was to me…and getting my first laugh at one of my jokes didn't hurt either," he said.

Dan has worked at Q Source since 2010. In addition to his blogging and social media work for The Q Source Resource Blog and QSource.com, his spare time is spent contributing to the Autism Society's blog and his own personal blog where he talks about his experiences and offers his insights on being an autism parent. Dan has had a passion for autism awareness and advocacy ever since his young son with autism was a student in the YAP program.

Autism is a multifaceted developmental disorder that includes impairments in social interaction and developmental language, communication skills, and rigid, repetitive behaviors. Autism includes a wide spectrum of symptoms and levels of impairment. There is currently no cure for autism.

The Young Autism Program (YAP) was created in 1995 as an experimental program with the goal of returning autistic children to regular kindergarten by age six. It is one of the most intensive programs of its kind in the U.S. The YAP Charitable Foundation was formed by YAP parents in 1999 to privately raise funds to supplement the unique educational needs of children enrolled in the Young Autism Program. The Annual Dinner/Dance is their largest fundraising event of the year. Previous Dinner/Dance guest speakers have included state and local representatives, researchers, and other autism parents.

"Being asked to speak at the YAP Dinner/Dance was an incredible honor," Dan said. "Many parents of autistic children go through similar experiences as I have and to see the audience's reactions to my speech was very touching and one of the most incredible and inspirational feelings I've ever had."

Everyone at Q Source would like to congratulate Dan for being asked to deliver the keynote at this important event. We're all very proud of your hard work and devotion to this very important subject. Keep up the inspiring work!

Save Big on Hakko's FX-888D Digital Soldering Station at Q Source

When Hakko's FX-888D Digital Soldering Station was released back in January we were so excited to tell you about it that we wrote several blogs, made an unboxing video, and created a Flickr set of cool FX-888D photos. Well, our excitement hasn't waned and we just had to remind you that the Hakko FX-888D is available at QSource.com for just $91.35 AND you get a FREE extra sponge with your order!

We've previously informed you about the FX-888D's (part number FX888D-23BY) new features such as user selectable preset temperatures & digital calibration, password protection, and a low-temperature alarm (and we've even filled you in on some great tutorials about those options). So, let's not waste any more of your time when you could be clicking over to QSource.com and purchasing your own FX888D (or a second or third one if you've already bought one). We'll leave you with the top specifications of Hakko's powerful and economical FX-888D Digital Soldering Station:

• Temperature range: 120° - 899°F (50° - 480°C)
• Digital readout displays °F or °C
• Adjustable temperature control
• Maintains idle temperature within 1.8°F (1°C) when set to 400 - 899°F (200 - 480°C)
• Store up to five preset temperatures with Preset Mode
• Ceramic heating element and sensor for rapid heat-up temperature and fast thermal recovery
• Password-protected temperature setting functionality
• Ergonomic, lightweight iron handles
• Uses Hakko T18 Series Tips
• Wide selection of tips available for soldering SMD and through-hole applications
• ESD Safe
• Compact design takes up less bench space

The Hakko FX-888D Digital Soldering Station is in stock and ready to ship from Q Source.


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Weller's New Consumer Soldering Irons: High-Performance Soldering PLUS Lights!

How do you make a Weller high-performance soldering iron even cooler? You add LED lights to it! Among the impressive specs of the new "red dot" Design award-winning Weller High-Performance Consumer Soldering Irons are the three built-in, temperature-resistant LEDs that deliver light to the application.

Available in four wattage models (15, 25, 40, and 80) and six packages (the 25- and 40-watt irons are available in kits), Weller's new soldering irons offer light-, standard-, medium-, and heavy-duty solutions. The new irons offer a low-cost entry into soldering for DIY and hobbyists.

Weller added the superior-life LED technology to their Consumer Soldering Irons to respond to customer feedback for application illumination. The three high-intensity LEDs provide 30-degree focused light at 25 Lumens/ft² light intensity with no tip shadowing. With a flashlight strength beam length, these powerful LEDs eliminate the need for an alternate light source.

These innovative new products, the Weller SP15NUS 15-Watt High-Performance Light-Duty LED Soldering Iron, the SP25NUS 25-Watt High-Performance Standard-Duty LED Soldering Iron, the SP25NKUS 25-Watt High-Performance Standard-Duty LED Soldering Iron Kit, the SP40NUS 40-Watt High-Performance Medium-Duty LED Soldering Iron, the SP40NKUS 40-Watt High-Performance Medium-Duty LED Soldering Iron Kit, and the Weller SP80NUS 80-Watt High-Performance Heavy-Duty LED Soldering Iron all share the following common features:

• Three high-temperature, long-life, 5 mm LEDs (at 25 lumens/ft²) that provide enhanced soldering accuracy and application illumination
• A co-molded, soft-grip ribbed handle design that reduces slippage and maximizes comfort
• The round handle and triangular area work together for ease of tip rotation and greater tip control
• Stainless-steel, high-performance heater technology
• An industry-leading 7-year warranty
• A cord strain relief for extended life
• UL Listed – cUL available

The irons differ in their heat ratings (the 15-watt and 25-watt models provide heat up to 750° F, the 40-watt goes to 900° F, and the 80-watt reaches 950° F), and in their recommended application use. Please see the chart below for tips on Choosing the Right Soldering Tool:

Part Number:	SP15N	SP25N	SP40N	SP80N
Duty:	Light Duty	Standard Duty	Medium Duty	Heavy Duty
Power:	15 Watts	25 Watts	40 Watts	80 Watts
Soldering Wire Connections:	<18 AWG 0.04" dia	<12 AWG 0.08" dia	<8 AWG 0.13" dia	<4 AWG 0.20" dia
Compatible Tips:	S5 (included), S3, S31, S32	MT1 (included), MT2, MT3, HK11	MT10 (included), ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, ST6, ST7, ST8, HK12	MTG20 (included), MTG21, MTG22
Microcomponents, Electronic Kits, Low-Voltage Wiring:	•	ο	x	x
Printed Circuit Boards, Radio Controlled, Indoor Lighting:	ο	•	ο	x
Hobby Models, Small Applicance, Small Engine Repair, Crafts:	x	ο	•	x
Audio Systems, Electrical, Marine, Jewelry, Automotive:	x	x	ο	•
Heat Sink, Ground Plane, Metal Art, Plumbing:	x	x	x	•
Choose the Right Soldering Tool: • = Recommended, ο = Acceptable, x = Not Recommended * IMPORTANT: Use only Weller tips

Weller Consumer Soldering Irons include an appropriate tip, iron stand, and user manual. The two kit versions include those items plus a soldering aid tool, lead-free solder, and two spare tips.

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