The Basic tools needed are pretty much a begining robotist needs.
A pro, however, will need more advanced tools, like an oscillescope.
Here's a list of "basic" things listed. * Things marked with this are merely optional.

1. Soldering Iron and stand.15-30watts. Radio Shack has a fair deal on a 25-watt iron for 9.99 with stand,
But you can get one with stand from Discount electronics for 2.99.

2. Desoldering braid or pump. Radio Shack has a nice deal on them for 6.99.
Some mail-order places have it for as low as 4.00 dollars.

3. Tool box or storage cabinet. I use a fishing tackle box made by Plano and it works great.
It has many spaces for placing all sorts of stuff. It's currently all filled up with electronic goodies
and components.

4. Battery Charger. Mondo-tronics has a good deal on a Quad Charger. It's 15.00 dollars, But includes a free four pack of "AA" batteries. If you don't like mail order, your local Radio Shack has a nice deal on a nice 3-hour charger. It takes 1 hour to completely discharge, then charges in 2 hours. it'll cost you about the same to get it from either Mondo-tronics (Shipping) or Radio Shack, (10 dollars extra for batteries ).

5. Batteries. Not much to it. Either Alkaline or Ni-cd's will work fine. Although the Ni-cd's will save you money.

6.Parts. You never know when you'll need a 470 uf capacitor or four 2.7 k resistors. My advice: Just always have them stocked.

7.A brain. Most likely, you already have it. If you don't, I think The hospital always has them in stock......
 

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