Blackfox: Hand Soldering Basics

Soldering is a complex task that requires much precision on the part of the operator. With enough practice, one can gain a better understanding of the tools and techniques, thereby improving productivity and quality and decreasing the risk of board damage. Discussed in this blog are some of the basics of hand soldering—note that this…

Blackfox: IPC Inspection Guidelines

IPC inspection guidelines exist to ensure the proper functioning of electronics and the safety and wellbeing of the people using them. The Acceptable Quality Level (also known as the Acceptance Quality Limit or AQL) dictates the range of the number of defective components that is considered acceptable when random sampling during inspection and the maximum…

Blackfox: The Basics of Soldering

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” border_style=”solid” flex_column_spacing=”0px” type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”true” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” first=”true”][fusion_text] The hands-on act of soldering is one that takes a…

Blackfox: Projected Increase in Military Electronics Spending

The military electronics industry is booming. During the 2017 fiscal year, which begins this October, the US military electronics budget is set to increase significantly. The US Department of Defense is asking Congress for $10.74 billion for procurement and research in military communications, electronics, telecommunications, and intelligence technologies. This projected budget is the highest it…

Blackfox: Detecting Counterfeit Components.

Counterfeit products are becoming more and more prevalent these days. They have begun to infiltrate various industries, including the electronics industry. Luckily there are professionals who are trained to detect counterfeit electronic components. Discussed below are some of the processes they use. Incoming Inspection: Inspection starts with checking the boxes for shipping damage or evidence…

Blackfox: Veterans and Education

The post-9/11 GI Bill is making it easier than ever for US military veterans to attend college. Passed in 2008, the bill pays in-state tuition to institutions that veterans and their dependents attend. It also provides students with a stipend for books, supplies, and housing. Between 2000 and 2012, nearly 1 million veterans received education…