Appendix A -
Where to Get Your Hacking Gear

Basic Order Form

The table below lists the basic tools that you will need to do the projects described in this book. You can order these parts by going to Jameco’s website, www.jameco.com, and clicking on the yellow “Quick Order” button on the left hand side. Enter in the Jameco part numbers listed here and get started hacking! (Prices may vary.)

The 26-piece SAE Hobby Tool Set includes all of the bits, drivers, and screwdrivers necessary to disassemble an Xbox, including the T-10, T-15, and T-20 torx bits. I have included the 1/32” conical bevel tip in the order form above because the soldering iron comes with a horrendously large 1/8” chisel tip. A 1/8” tip is useful for soldering together small countries and creating solder shorts all over your fine-pitched components. Conical bevel and chisel tips feature a flattened region that enables rapid heat transfer, and thus are easier to use than conical sharp tips. I have also included some soldering iron tip cleaner and some rosin paste flux. They are a little bit pricey, but they will make your life a lot easier, trust me.

Advanced Order Form

The table below lists a few tools that are nice to have around, but pricey enough that you probably should only get them if you anticipate doing a lot of hacking.

• The soldering iron stand and sponge are a must if you plan on doing even a moderate amount of soldering. The stand safely stows the hot soldering iron tip, reducing the chance of burns and fires.
• Try soldering with the 1/32” semi-chisel tip. You may find that you like it better than the conical bevel tip.
• The anti-stat wrist-strap is always a good idea to have on hand, especially if you tend to wear clothes and shoes that generate static electricity.
• The SMT removal kit comes in handy when trying to remove smaller SMT components.
• The multimeter is a great all-purpose test, measurement, and diagnostic tool to have on hand at all times, and has applications all around the house or dorm. Many models of multimeters are available; the one listed here offers the most features for the lowest price. I have tried it out and it works well.
• The wire stripper and crimping tool listed here are very helpful for the power supply replacement project. The crimping tool is sold by Digi-Key, not Jameco. The crimping tool is a bit on the pricey side, but unlike sub ten dollar tools it features shaped crimp dies for higher-quality solderless crimps.