January Caption Contest

Fire up your caption cannons.

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Inventory day moved everything back just a touch, so "Engineering Roundtable" will go live tomorrow. Additionally, our Shipping department is pretty backed up following inventory day. Orders that meet our Same-Day Shipping requirements are going out OK, but orders shipping First Class Mail and Economy are behind. We're planning to be caught up by Wednesday, January 16th. Sorry for the delay and any inconvenience!

I know it's a Monday morning and you may have not have even had your coffee yet - but gosh darnit - we need you to be funny! That's right - it's caption contest time. As always, lets go over a few rules:

  • The contest will run from when this post goes live until Wednesday, January 16th at 11 a.m. Mountain Time.
  • Leave your best caption in the comments section below. That is the only way to enter - do not submit your entry via the feedback form!
  • We'll choose a winner and announce it next week.

Here's this month's photo:

alt text

As for a prize - rather than choosing a specific product this month, I'm going to leave it up to you. The winner this month will receive a $100 SparkFun credit to use as they see fit. If you want to buy a whole bunch of capacitors, go for it!

Good luck and may the best caption win!


Comments 394 comments

  • jchalo99 / about 11 years ago / 14

    They told me about E-Textiles, Knitting electronics.. but threading the Soldering Iron is hard.

  • Member #260579 / about 11 years ago / 10

    Here, let me solder the world's smallest electric violin...

  • RyeMAC3 / about 11 years ago / 9

    Who said you can't solder with Magnesium? Just watch me....

  • Noobulus / about 11 years ago / 6

    In retrospect, he should not have attempted this while wearing a red shirt.

  • Member #166582 / about 11 years ago / 6

    Horton heard the Who. Sparkfun accepted the challenge to establish communications.

  • Solder it vertically, they said. It'll be fun, they said.

    • What is it with SparkFun employees knowing a YouTube video for every possible phrase?!? :-P

  • JohnathanN. / about 11 years ago / 5

    Today on "Extreme Soldering"...

  • New SparkFun goggles protect me from everything!!! It evens come with a cool helmet!!

  • psygenic / about 11 years ago / 4

    Sparkfun, open source because we don't trust him either.

  • Chandhooguy / about 11 years ago / 4

    I don't think this is what he meant when he said "Use the leaded solder"...

  • Bunk / about 11 years ago / 4
    Dave ~ $ solderPart -p M328 -t FX888 -B UnoR3
    -Error: Board not found
    Dave ~ $ sudo solderPart -p M328 -t FX888 -B UnoR3
    -Error: Board not found
    
  • mmetzger / about 11 years ago / 4

    When did Sparkfun start hiring Spaceballs?

    • ElegantElectrons / about 11 years ago / 1

      How many geeks do we have on this ship anyway?...YO!...I knew it, I'm surrounded by geeks. Keep soldering geeks!

  • Member #398179 / about 11 years ago / 4

    Newest Tutorial: FUN Lighting fuses with a soldering Iron Disclaimer SparkFun is not responsible for any fingers blown off, helmet and goggles not required but recommended try AT YOUR OWN RISK

  • Member #247594 / about 11 years ago / 4

    Doc was just kidding about that space-time continuum collapse... right?

  • Nick3865 / about 11 years ago / 4

    The reason that Russian fighter jets are superior to American jets is their ability to be repaired mid-flight with the included soldering iron.

  • willydlw / about 11 years ago / 4

    Half an hour ago, I was clean shaven. With the new instant solder-on beard kit, I will look like the rugged outdoors man my girlfriend admires.

    Safety Notice: Due to the somewhat painful nature of attaching solder "hair" to the face, some clients experience the desire to bang their head against the wall to lessen the pain. A helmet and safety goggles are included to lessen the potential head injuries.

  • Naugy / about 11 years ago / 3

    In Soviet Russia...fun sparks you!

  • JeffRand / about 11 years ago / 3

    This picture was taken just moments before all the lights went out in Boulder.

  • Jwd270 / about 11 years ago / 3

    According to Einstein, the energy density of a singularity is infinite...all i have to do is solder this wire to it.

  • StevenG / about 11 years ago / 3

    10 years of my life; $5,000,00 to develop a cloaking device; $10,000,000 to develop anti-cloaking helmet; and it's all screwed up by a $0.10 off switch!

  • Garfieldboy / about 11 years ago / 3

    When Robert said the customer was having cold solder joint issues I didn't think he meant it quite this literally !!!

  • Member #306505 / about 11 years ago / 3

    VISOR'S DOWN.....BOOOOOOOM!!!!! There goes the DYNAMITE

  • Crustacean / about 11 years ago / 3

    Ow Ow Ow Ow HOT HOT HOT

  • When it comes to soldering, safety is an important issue for all of us. As we see here, Billy is using the industry standard helmet and visor. Good start, Billy, but you are missing your soldering shoulder pads and athletic cup.

  • agemoz / about 11 years ago / 3

    Pre-hire test for working at Sparkfun. Demonstrated ability to mine red boxes and avoid creepers while soldering a must.

  • Member #277952 / about 11 years ago / 3

    Despite his cube mate please to stop, Peter continues to try and light his cherry bomb with a soldering iron and inadequate safety gear.

  • cjh08052 / about 11 years ago / 2

    ... And on the next episode of You too can solder, captain SparkFun demonstrates first aid for solder burns...

  • lightpeople / about 11 years ago / 2

    Time to light it up and see what happens!!!!

  • floppystick6 / about 11 years ago / 2

    These SMD packages are getting to ridiculous extremes.

  • GCF / about 11 years ago / 2

    Due to his propensity for creating cold solder joints, he earned the call-sign Iceman.

  • Shhh!... "The iron isn't plugged in", lets see how long he wears that helmet.

  • Gblaze / about 11 years ago / 2

    Damn, nobody told me soldering 22nm transistors would be so hard!

  • Member #391164 / about 11 years ago / 2

    It's gonna SPARK and it's gonna be FUN!

  • UnHungryHippo / about 11 years ago / 2

    NOW KISS!

  • Member #127039 / about 11 years ago / 2

    After an embarrassing defeat in a particularly contentious Philosophy of Electronics class debate, Sparky hopes to discover exactly how many angels he can solder to the head of a pin.

  • Member #118891 / about 11 years ago / 2

    What could POSSIBLY go wrong?

  • Member #353613 / about 11 years ago / 2

    Wireless Soldering...

  • jce / about 11 years ago / 2

    That's how we solder in Boulder!

  • MetabolicCloth / about 11 years ago / 2

    this solder is not RoHS-compliant i can clearly see lead in it

  • #0programmer / about 11 years ago / 2

    With the blast shield down I can't even see... Your eyes can deceive you. Don't trust them. Stretch out with your feelings.

  • T2d / about 11 years ago / 2

    With high temperature comes great soldering...

  • wirenut1980 / about 11 years ago / 2

    Must....tin.....tip!!!!

  • Member #344545 / about 11 years ago / 2

    Here we demonstrate tinning the tip. Take care that plenty of hot solder falls on your hand.

  • TonyTNT / about 11 years ago / 2

    If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 880 degrees... you're gonna see some serious shit.

  • steakum / about 11 years ago / 2

    Great news! SparkFun will be moving to a new location in order to serve you better!

    In unrelated news, the release of our thermite-core solder has been indefinitely postponed.

  • CONCONGILLI / about 11 years ago / 2

    Sparkfun's punishment method of choice: Chinese solder torture. "Are you going to screw up the shipping again?" "No, I promise, It BURNS!!"

  • joesugar / about 11 years ago / 2

    The Mad Scientist's Low-Budget Guide to Nuclear Fusion

  • IAmSpeedbump / about 11 years ago / 2

    Being the new guy I was told that this his how you grow solder.

  • KDodman / about 11 years ago / 2

    So maybe the Mayans couldn't destroy the world, but I sure can!!!!

  • GirlLuvzerMac / about 11 years ago / 2

    In Russia, Iron solders YOU!

  • Professor Mayhem / about 11 years ago / 2

    "More power" he says, "We need the warp drive online" now he says. It’s always a crisis with him! Yet there's never budget money for fault tolerant propulsion systems.

  • beagle.fan / about 11 years ago / 2

    Don't try this at home, kids!

    We at Sparkfun are experts with years of experience that keeps us safe!

  • xrayjim / about 11 years ago / 2

    "Who needs that third-hand vise from SparkFun to solder? "

  • Member #396488 / about 11 years ago / 2

    Get the camera honey, were going on YOUTUBE!!!!!!!!!

  • tattik / about 11 years ago / 2

    Iron Man : Tony Stark = Iron Solder : Tony Spark

    • EvilGenius121 / about 11 years ago / 2

      I can just see a sparkfun comic series coming...

  • Member #306505 / about 11 years ago / 2

    COMPLAINT!!! When i got this promotion to be a tester i wasn't expecting them to take away my dental, health insurance, workers comp and stick me in room that is padded with boxes.............They gave me a fighter jet helmet and told me to test away.

  • tmassey / about 11 years ago / 2

    If I could just thread this needle but my thread keeps melting...

  • MrWidget / about 11 years ago / 2

    Ok, Tom, your job today - soldering the tail light lead on the microcoptor... In flight! Have fun!

  • Member #306505 / about 11 years ago / 2

    ATTENTION!!!!They said i couldn't get this ring off my finger but once i light this thermite we will see who has the LAST LAUGH MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

  • Just days after tough loss, Broncos reveal Sparkfun Genius behind rebuilding "The Manning."

  • Member #396488 / about 11 years ago / 2

    OK TURN IT ON..

  • Member #306505 / about 11 years ago / 2

    ????????????How do i get the laser beam to come out?????????????

  • Vampist / about 11 years ago / 2

    Stand back! I'm going to attempt science!

  • AllThumbsTom / about 11 years ago / 2

    I think I can Tattoo with this thing!

  • Member #200539 / about 11 years ago / 2

    Stay on target...Stay on target...

  • kevins2012 / about 11 years ago / 2

    The lost skit from "Kids in Hall"...

    "I'm soldering your head!"

  • spags / about 11 years ago / 2

    Captain Thunderpants has misplaced his conscience, so he sets out to make a new one.

  • Interzen / about 11 years ago * / 2

    Testing the exploding solder in the new Sparkfun "Gag Gift Assortment Pack" is not a fun assignment;

  • otto454z / about 11 years ago / 2

    While revolutionary, field repairs of the Russians' invisible fighter jets were very difficult.

  • trelease / about 11 years ago / 2

    Always wear safety gear when attempting to initiate an arc...

  • Seawolves ROV team / about 11 years ago / 2

    Sparkfun attempts to build a Hand-Crafted CPU. Unfortunately, the man who tried to build it had too much hand-crafted beer.

  • doofenshmirtz / about 11 years ago / 2

    I see, your Schwartz is as big as Mine!

  • Stuey / about 11 years ago / 2

    SparkFun's new invisi-view visor reduces the loss of transparent components by up to 62%. SMD soldering experience and 20/10 vision is still highly recommended.

  • stcarlso / about 11 years ago / 2

    Look at me, still talking when there's soldering to do, since when I look up there, it makes it GLaD I'm not you...

  • Member #15009 / about 11 years ago / 2

    Sparkfun Dentist

  • Anachronomer / about 11 years ago / 2

    Everyone stay back, or this solder gets it!

  • mattkorz / about 11 years ago / 2

    Hopefully, without the Earth shattering kaboom this time...

  • Member #55564 / about 11 years ago / 2

    It's not easy, I just make it look easy.

  • tiagofumo / about 11 years ago / 2

    Mr William is an example of people that suffer with the very rare condition known as the solderphobia.

  • Yodaob1 / about 11 years ago / 2

    Too Much SMD work for Drone 11254 and he finaly Snaped.

  • lyonsden / about 11 years ago / 2

    You'd be surprised how hard it is to draw a straight line with this thing!

  • THX1082 / about 11 years ago * / 2

    Sparkfun Man seen here demonstrating his powers of Solderkinesis (The ability to control a soldering iron strictly by thought). His only weaknesses are his mortality and the inability to solder lead free solder.

  • sanloublues / about 11 years ago / 2

    Sparkfun briefly considered selling solder wick birthday candles

  • Member #228967 / about 11 years ago / 2

    The psychotic break started with the hat, and then he went on to attempt soldering oxygen and nitrogen molecules together.

  • scharkalvin / about 11 years ago / 2

    The new Sparkfun soldering station comes with our exclusive helmet mounted heads up display.

  • Member #195916 / about 11 years ago / 2

    Petros is about to discover his choice of "third hand" is not optimal.

  • Warren2 / about 11 years ago / 1

    This is how I tin my tip, tin my tip, tin my tip... This is how I tin my tip so early in the morning!

  • Member #381789 / about 11 years ago / 1

    When my boss can't reboot his computer because I shorted out the PS_ON and COM pins using this wire I hold in my hands I'm going to show him this abundantly saturated red picture to ignite an angry emotional response. April Fools Day is going to be epic this year!

  • Member #400452 / about 11 years ago / 1

    After the arc is struck, follow down as far as possible.

  • Member #400452 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Can you guess what I'm doing?

  • Member #400452 / about 11 years ago / 1

    We do the testing, so you don't have to.

  • Member #400452 / about 11 years ago / 1

    There is more than one way to tin an iron

  • Member #400452 / about 11 years ago / 1

    The new Wolverine kit, installation is somewhat painful...

  • blink_boi / about 11 years ago * / 1

    It's all fun and games until someone asks you to solder.

  • Vinnie / about 11 years ago / 1

    A real Sparkfun tech has an intimate relationship with the simple things such as the temperature of his solder, and always cleans up his beads before they hit the table.

  • Member #15009 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Putin's younger brother trying to create ozone to help clear the air.

  • Member #259239 / about 11 years ago / 1

    When I was a lad we had to do it without electricity.

  • Member #360180 / about 11 years ago / 1

    I swear, the radioactive atom is right here, just don't move, my soldering iron will take care of it.

  • Member #399863 / about 11 years ago / 1

    by jove I think I've got it!!

  • cm22 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Nooooo, the flux, it stings!!

  • Loren- / about 11 years ago / 1

    And Mrs. Krupheimer said I'd never amount to anything!

  • PeterG / about 11 years ago / 1

    "Stand back, because I'm only going to show you this once..."

  • timothy1324 / about 11 years ago / 1

    How do I solder this cable without burning my nose?

  • Member #81252 / about 11 years ago / 1

    At Sparkfun we can teach soldering to everyone ... even the most scared ones

  • Patrick9 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Tim pretty much had the market cornered on creating solder tip self portraits.

  • Chilly / about 11 years ago / 1

    Woop Woop, Spark Fun Style...

  • Member #395576 / about 11 years ago / 1

    You see, if we touch these two doohickies together right chere, magic happens. I love magic.

  • olegm / about 11 years ago / 1

    I really wish I knew what I was doing with these electric things.

  • BalashiFan5 / about 11 years ago / 1

    You're all clear, kid. Let's blow this thing and go home!

  • Member #15009 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Ugghh! Still no Spark, no Fun!

  • Gerdid1 / about 11 years ago / 1

    "The new SMD (Soldering Miniature Devices)"

  • Member #2418 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Curses! I will takeover Bouldersville, Little does Nate know that I'm the evil Mojo Jojo.

  • jdhibbs / about 11 years ago / 1

    "While doing inventory, Joe received the tedious job of counting all of the capacitors on the end of this wire . . ."

  • Member #311458 / about 11 years ago / 1
        "Man"icure for Life
    

    Carefully apply a thin coat of solder...

  • Qema / about 11 years ago / 1

    I'm coming in hot.

  • Shane Ross / about 11 years ago / 1

    Sparkfun's newest R&D intern working in the green energy lab, Thermal energy transfer via high frequency brainwaves.

  • Oxidizer / about 11 years ago / 1

    The newly appointed Soldering Czar

  • Fredi333 / about 11 years ago / 1

    I guess now we should tell him that the iron isn´t plugged in...

  • jgrauman / about 11 years ago / 1

    I thought making sparks was supposed to be fun!

  • WarpedHumor / about 11 years ago / 1

    All dressed up for the social event of the year, the Spark Fun Post Inventory Ball & Galia, Only to find a broken wire to the ED Probe. Without a functional Emotion Detection device, he'll never know if his date Lady Ada really digs his threads. Can he get the ED probe repaired in time?? Check back tomorrow for the results.

  • Scrubb / about 11 years ago / 1

    Solder Claw's mutant power was not quite as impressive as his older brother, Wolverine.

  • magee / about 11 years ago / 1

    "pilot light"

  • BoulderNative / about 11 years ago / 1

    Poster child for the evils of leaded solder fumes. Please don't let this happen to you...

  • SparkyHF / about 11 years ago / 1

    Hmmmmmm...Maybe I should have taken that SparkFun SMD soldering class before I started this...

  • Choppa / about 11 years ago / 1

    Human cannonball tries to light the fuse using a soldering iron.

  • technowizard12 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Moore's law must be stopped.

  • Sciguy / about 11 years ago / 1

    How else are you supposed to solder those 01005 resistors?

  • aromond / about 11 years ago / 1

    Must Solder against will of MIND CONTROL HELMET!!!!!

  • Member #362809 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Screw you safety manual!

  • cm / about 11 years ago * / 1

    Oh I'm a solder-hack, and I'm okay. I work all night and I work all day!

  • Member #283407 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Although it is possible to solder directly to a transistor on a die, it requires caution...

  • BrandonRedder / about 11 years ago / 1

    We can put a man on the moon however, we have yet discovered a way to thread our soldering iron.

  • Dr. DFTBA / about 11 years ago / 1

    And thus did I learn to hate gravity.

  • JeffT / about 11 years ago / 1

    Once I touch this with my soldering iron, Sparkfun will be MINE!! Fools! They never saw it coming! Bwahahahaha!

  • Accentrix / about 11 years ago / 1

    Spark fun sells soldering irons and the parts to make a soldering robot so YOU don't have to look this ridiculous!

  • iseesam / about 11 years ago / 1

    With a little help from sparkfun, today could be your 'special' day.

  • limemaverick / about 11 years ago / 1

    The inaugural experiment of Colorado's $200 Flannel Ignition Laboratory commences.

  • Daguava / about 11 years ago / 1

    Sparkfun -- Taking dead-bug prototyping to the next level.

  • While Luke Skywalker told his extravagent story of threading the Beggar's Canyon needle in record time, this is what he actually did.

  • OrionBot / about 11 years ago / 1

    Desparate to get the new Jedi Mind Power helmet working in time for the next Sparkfun New Product Post, Victor turns to threats when trying to bend a piece of solder wire with his mind..."If you will not bend to my power, I will solder you!" or "We can do this the easy way or the hard way" or "Bend or Melt!" or "Bend or Burn!!"

  • Member #395023 / about 11 years ago * / 1

    His New Year's resolution was to be safer when soldering, but he went a little overboard.

  • johnjulian / about 11 years ago / 1

    And now to attach the headers to the new mini-micro-tiny-super-duper-tini-wini-subcompact Uno R167.

  • johnjulian / about 11 years ago / 1

    As you can see, the portable, handheld 3D printer is easy...See how easily I created this wire!

  • Member #370871 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Careful, careful. Almost there...

  • Puddles / about 11 years ago * / 1

    Tell me that I can't solder in the warehouse, huh? Well, they'll never catch me in my fortress of solitude! (evil laugh)

  • PalmTreesandPICs / about 11 years ago / 1

    Blasphemy!!! Is this unleaded solder I smell?

  • doceme / about 11 years ago / 1

    Sulfur solder test # 134

  • TeslaTrooper / about 11 years ago / 1

    Don't train on your Vespa if you're a beginner !

  • Member #236220 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Sparkfun's new tutorial: Advanced soldering for dummmies

  • rjb / about 11 years ago / 1

    Sparky uses his woodsman skills to solder those ever shrinking components to a tree sensors.

  • faeranne / about 11 years ago / 1

    They said fixing the nanobot would be easy. They didn't say it could FLY!

  • WarpedHumor / about 11 years ago / 1

    If I don't get this iron to light the fuse, I'll have to go back to remedial bomb disposal class.

  • frnk / about 11 years ago / 1

    Here at Sparkfun we quality-control test every new shipment of solder before selling it to you. You can rest assured that cheap knock-off rosin core solder will never explode in your face... again.

  • Member #15009 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Dr. Squint the robot proctologist.

  • Marion Rickard / about 11 years ago / 1

    SMD a mosquitoes ass ....no problemo for SOLDERMAN!

  • Marion Rickard / about 11 years ago / 1

    Resistance is futile little mosquito. You will be assimilated.

  • Member #221955 / about 11 years ago / 1

    today on solder fumebusters.....

  • Member #221955 / about 11 years ago / 1

    i hope it dosen't fume again....

  • Member #388765 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Hold on to your Butts!

  • Member #383180 / about 11 years ago / 1

    How Russia made the smallest atomic bomb. Don't move.

  • 28mhz / about 11 years ago / 1

    Now that Horton is gone, I'll teach Whoville how to solder.

  • lexxmac / about 11 years ago / 1

    Pro tip: when building potentially self aware robots, wear a helmet.

  • 28mhz / about 11 years ago * / 1

    Must...protect myself...from the...tiny...nuclear explosion...I am about to create. Muahahaha!!

  • Nukez / about 11 years ago / 1

    A little tweak and i will be able to read other's minds ! Humm maybe women minds !

    Mouhahaha

  • vybz263 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Buster Witwicky works on the last joint of the Creation Matrix to rescue Shockwave's lifeless drone...

  • vybz263 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Buster Witwicky works on the last joint of the Creation Matrix to rescue Shockwave's lifeless drone...

  • vybz263 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Buster Witwicky works on the last joint of the Creation Matrix to rescue Shockwave's lifeless drone...

  • PalmTreesandPICs / about 11 years ago / 1

    Since he looks like an Angry/Snob French man, Im gonna go out on a limb here:

    De Sparkfun soudure sommelier: "Monsieur, c'est un 1999 soudure sans plomb avec une pâte à braser doux. Excellent choix!"

  • ubuntuguru / about 11 years ago / 1

    The newest Olympic sport "Air Soldering"

  • ismagr / about 11 years ago / 1

    i can solder air to wire.

  • Wylly / about 11 years ago / 1

    White men can't solder

  • Ich91 / about 11 years ago / 1

    They said you can't light the blasting fuse with a soldering iron. We'll see it...

  • "Reaction when mommy saw me soldering while i should have been studying"

  • Tactical Ninja / about 11 years ago / 1

    A Solder Ninja in his natural environment...

  • Tactical Ninja / about 11 years ago / 1

    10 years later...

  • atmegaist / about 11 years ago / 1

    TUTORIAL: Locking an "S-Fall" in Attack Position

  • Member #38147 / about 11 years ago / 1

    The Zit is riiiight here

  • DeltaDawg / about 11 years ago / 1

    Today on New Product Friday, Eric models our new CSPU. The Cranial Soldering Protection Unit!

  • Member #379737 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Luke ... use the solder!

  • Alexander88 / about 11 years ago / 1

    (if you guys seriouosly please make this helmet an item, one day when I win lottery I'll buy it) Now for contest: To enable root access to VMUniverse/subroutine Earth, fill solder bridge register SB13082021832 and press Reset (Engineering maintenance book to VMUniverse)

  • Member #242889 / about 11 years ago / 1

    A picture that captures the moment where the Sparkfun name had it's origin.

  • Kevin J / about 11 years ago / 1

    "Tyler, you switched off your targeting computer. What's wrong?"

  • Member #164722 / about 11 years ago / 1

    No reliable intel has been obtained from the Sparkfun flea torture program

  • Skierboy_16 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Sparkfun, the only place its possible to solder a soul through electronics.

  • MartinCU2010 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Testing the new Arc Solder gun

  • Member #217802 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Stand Back I am Going to Try Solder!

  • Alexander88 / about 11 years ago / 1

    I seriouosly want this helmet, I'll even buy a bike to go with it! ME WANNA!!!

  • tecknurd / about 11 years ago / 1

    Tinning with a none RoHS "Road House" compliant solder is dangerous for your health, so protective wear on. Hey, do you know a Jameco Electronics representative pronounce RoHS as "Road House."

  • daverlee / about 11 years ago / 1

    "Must. Not. Sneeze."

  • D_C / about 11 years ago / 1

    These SMD parts are EXTREMELY small! Luckily Sparkfun taught me how to solder them safely... With a helmet!

  • Backyard Pilot / about 11 years ago * / 1

    Jim's friends always wondered how he built that electric air guitar...

  • ted rhodes / about 11 years ago / 1

    listen, don't think about the bomb, don't think about the lives at stake, just take a deep breath, focus, and solder the red wire, nice and easy.

  • SuperCrackMunkey / about 11 years ago / 1

    You're sure this won't shock me? Promise?

  • Member #389524 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Is it my middle finger gonna get Solder?

  • StrixA / about 11 years ago / 1

    Solder between the lines.

  • DogCollarLabor / about 11 years ago / 1

    Refilling this new tattoo gun just doesn't seem right.

  • OldSchoolAirCool / about 11 years ago / 1

    How surface-mount soldering feels the first time around:

  • Member #398402 / about 11 years ago / 1

    As our latest intern is about to demonstrate, the new Sparkfun Soldering Safety Visor and Helmet makes soldering even Magnesium safe AND fashionable!

  • Member #395023 / about 11 years ago * / 1

    We've decided to give you a big promotion... You know what, how about I come back later?

  • sushijess / about 11 years ago / 1

    Trying to switch over to lead-free solder finally landed him in the padded red room where he could play with all the 60/40 he wanted to!

  • frustin / about 11 years ago / 1

    Omg " brain powered " soldering iron

  • Horton solders a who!

  • Tony Stark / about 11 years ago / 1

    Sparkfun Electronics... tin it like you mean it!

  • Must....Create......Antimatter....with....SOLDERING IRON!!!!!

  • Member #380057 / about 11 years ago / 1

    When I'm done with this Laser Eye Surgery I'll be ready to do my own dental work.

  • Cabe / about 11 years ago / 1

    Tyler thought he was handy with a soldering iron, until someone showed him the latest yoctoduino kit from Sparkfun.....

  • unknowns / about 11 years ago / 1

    Stay on target... Stay on target...

  • tweedius / about 11 years ago / 1

    In Soviet Russia, component solder you.

  • randal23 / about 11 years ago / 1

    After a very successful Kickstarter, Sparkfun is able to fund a "Safely solder" class for the Who gang in Who-ville.

  • 0.5 seconds after the solder dripped down his sleeve...

  • tphiii / about 11 years ago / 1

    The entrance exam to the Royal Canadian Air Force has become even more difficult. Applicants must now prove their ability to withstand torture by soldering a small maple leaf to the head of a pin while listening to Celine Dion.

  • VccDood / about 11 years ago / 1

    Sparkfun's latest secret program revealed! Even more secret than "Free Year 2013". It's Men Who Stare At Solder - no really, i can melt this solder using just my mind. Grab your helmet and watch this!

  • themryan / about 11 years ago / 1

    Sparkfun extreme soldering...

  • Member #383002 / about 11 years ago / 1

    "Today, I will attempt a feat that no man before me has succeeded in performing: I will solder ... AIR! (gasps and exclamations from the audience: "the audacity!" ... "he's nuts!")

  • Blacklab1 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Sparkfun's own personal OSHA Detector...

  • Blacklab1 / about 11 years ago / 1

    No Sparkfun Employees was hurt in this picture while demostrating how not to solder with Potassium Iodate.

    (I am sure glad Sparkfun takes their safty so se·ri·ous)

    Note to OSHA: Nothing to see here.

  • Dr Evil / about 11 years ago / 1

    Comrade fix own plane in Soviet Russia.

  • Generic / about 11 years ago / 1

    Just a few more seconds and I'm out of this red cardboard prison!

  • dksmall / about 11 years ago / 1

    After running out of matches, a somewhat confused Earl attempted to light the fuse of his M80 with a soldering iron.

  • laptopman / about 11 years ago / 1

    My precious...

  • Member #344545 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Five more and we'll be able to establish communication with the air.

  • Member #344545 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Umm, maybe it would help to plug in the soldering iron...

  • The new Sparkfun Augmented Soldering - Infrared Focus (A.S. I.F.) Helmet is currently undergoing trial testing. As you can see, we are having difficulty with the fine tuning of the tracking mechanism...

  • Ch3f N3rd / about 11 years ago / 1

    In todays Engineering Roundtable from SparkFun, we demo our new cold fusion kit! Soldering required!

  • Sciencez / about 11 years ago / 1

    Alan finally completed his alien communicator

  • maxicastlenalep / about 11 years ago / 1

    I weld therefore I am.

  • Tales / about 11 years ago / 1

    Soldering microglycerin

  • North Alabama PC / about 11 years ago / 1

    SparkFun is testing it's new nitro-methane core solder in the hopes it will speed up production, the 1st test did not go so well, so as shown in this test; a safety helmet and visor was required by OSHA.

  • rileyh / about 11 years ago / 1

    the beard says it all

  • Member #398342 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Sure you can catch more flies with honey, but where's the fun in that?

  • Member #393159 / about 11 years ago * / 1

    Sparkfun's resident lumberjastronaut putting final touches on a mission-critical chest hair.

  • Professor Mayhem / about 11 years ago / 1

    Researchers demonstrate that it is possible to solder SMDs without sticking your tongue out.

  • JuanFer / about 11 years ago / 1

    " Oh my God, I really need to poop...but I cant loose this soldering rampageeeeee!!! >:P"

  • Solder, y u no tin iron tip!

  • Member #394840 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Burning bugs

  • fraguada / about 11 years ago / 1

    The ultimate insult, this is how Russian geeks flip you the bird.

  • Member #398338 / about 11 years ago / 1

    With the completion of my Illudium Q-36 Ant Modulator, ants will long for the days of death by a magnifying glass!

  • Member #291599 / about 11 years ago / 1

    I'm soldering your head! (Kids in the Hall reference)

  • Thetinkerer / about 11 years ago / 1

    I give you, the latest addition to the Sparkfun Materiel Command, the S.P.A.R.K. soldier. These soldiers are bred to Solder Parts Any Relative Klick to the front lines. Here we see one of our most decorated, fighting the battle of customer satisfaction with his standard issue 30W soldering iron and rosin core 0.031" guage battle solder.

  • kdbedell / about 11 years ago / 1

    Attempts to create a Twitter-controlled flea proved more difficult.

  • kdbedell / about 11 years ago / 1

    Attempts to create a Twitter-controlled flea proved more difficult.

  • Jeff and Jack / about 11 years ago / 1

    Just one last solderjoint and the AmoebaCam will be complete! Come on, little fella, turn towards me -- that's it ... Steeaaddyyy, ... Stteeeaaaadddddyyyyyy, ...

  • Member #393930 / about 11 years ago / 1

    (๏๏) I think I'm gonna need some protection (๏๏)>⌐■­­­­­-■ (⌐■_■) YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH! ... uses solder ... explodes

  • HP / about 11 years ago / 1

    Be careful comrades, the tip is veeery hot

  • RichInTN / about 11 years ago / 1

    Totally engrossed in testing the new brain wave powered soldering iron, a profound realization sets in... "He said asbestos lined flannel safety shirt"!

  • Shotline / about 11 years ago / 1

    Soldering is so easy, even Russian-Cosmonaut-Lumberjacks can do it!

  • Circuitsoft / about 11 years ago / 1

    Just light the fuse, drop it and run. Just light the fuse, drop it and run. Just li...

  • Shotline / about 11 years ago / 1

    This new Sparkfun soldering iron is so awesome I can draw in mid air with it.

  • Tenacious_Techhunter / about 11 years ago / 1

    "I've got a problem here." "Eject." "I can hold it." "Pull up!" "No, I'm all—Aargh!" *taken from "Star Wars: A New Hope"

  • Member #278912 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Red Bull's newest extreme sport: High-intensity mid-air soldering

  • ...slowly...slowly...

  • AndrewMcDan / about 11 years ago / 1

    After designing and building the first gnat-sized autonomous vehicle, The Irish Engineer (from Russian) soon realized that making field repairs/modifications to the device would be impossible.

  • Member #398315 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Dammit! This needle is really hard to spin!

  • doobie / about 11 years ago / 1

    The padded red room finally got to Johnny.

  • Member #391683 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Sergeant Solder captured moments before the fun sparked...

  • Chandhooguy / about 11 years ago / 1

    Need a helmet in case it blows up in blue smoke!

  • The new Formula 1 solder proved too fast for ordinary safety glasses: many hakk(o)ers disliked the "explosive flux".

  • nickersonm / about 11 years ago / 1

    A SparkFun employee prepares to check an unlabeled roll of solder.

  • Member #332319 / about 11 years ago / 1

    I hope this doesn't explode.

  • Carl_Ayres / about 11 years ago / 1

    "Precision Soldering"

  • Member #121337 / about 11 years ago / 1

    "aye blue smoke!"

  • EvilGenius121 / about 11 years ago / 1

    And now, almost finished soldering the world's smallest Simon Says kit...

  • LoneStranger / about 11 years ago / 1

    "Here, let me fix that for you. Now, don't move..."

  • No, not that kind of pin...

  • Bunk / about 11 years ago / 1

    ERROR: BOARD NOT FOUND.

  • Member #393421 / about 11 years ago / 1

    That's one small solder for man, and one infinitesimal solder for SparkFun-kind.

  • Wayne / about 11 years ago / 1

    Unable to grow a long, thin moustache, Sparkfun man attempts to make one from solder.

  • Member #74791 / about 11 years ago / 1

    This week on The Red Green Show: Red practices soldering using a Virtual Reality Simulator...

  • Gizzygo / about 11 years ago / 1

    This is what happens when you work at Sparkfun and watch Top Gun. "Goose and I happened to see a PIC 28 do a negative voltage. How do I know? It's classified."

  • Member #286247 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Obsolete Russian electrician hits 40 and gets government issued bifocals.

  • JVe / about 11 years ago / 1

    It came to me, my own, my love... my... preciousssss.

  • mceranski / about 11 years ago / 1

    Boris will be teaching students to solder in SparkFun's first Asian Education Tour

  • This is how scientists fuse atoms together to form molecules. Although, he thinks he is protected from the blast radius even though he is fusing Uranium together.

  • Member #19154 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Daniel-San, Man Who Catch Fly With Soldering Iron Accomplish Anything...

  • Member #2004 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Another Myth Busters episode - will it explode?

  • Member #2004 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Those fools called me mad, hahahahahaha

  • AlanV / about 11 years ago / 1

    Number 6 of, "Ten Bad Ways to Light a Firecracker".

  • scharkalvin / about 11 years ago / 1

    Using a soldering iron to light the fuse of an M80 firecracker.

  • beagle.fan / about 11 years ago / 1

    Don't try this at home, kids!

  • StanW / about 11 years ago / 1

    After hearing about the incident at last year's soldering competition, Tyler isn't taking any chances.

  • ParaTonnerre / about 11 years ago / 1

    I AM NOT A SOLDER !!!!!!!

  • hikebikeclimb / about 11 years ago / 1

    The Sparkfun boxes start their plan to take over the world with mind control helmets! (They really don't have the hang of it yet as there has been reports of weirder Sparkfun employee behaviour)

  • beagle.fan / about 11 years ago / 1

    Tim demonstrates his ill-advised finger soldering technique.

  • Member #261064 / about 11 years ago / 1

    "SMD is getting waaaay too hard these days...."

  • LateNightRacing / about 11 years ago / 1

    Soldering is Queasy.

  • Adam-FK / about 11 years ago / 1

    Skunky (solder) joints drive Winifred to turn his iron up to 11. After all, fixing the auto targeting cheezie canon is a high priority. You ever been struck in the eye by a super speed salty snack?

  • Member #398233 / about 11 years ago / 1

    I borrowed the suit from Dr Who; You can see the real me inside my eye (the hi-res photo ofcourse)

  • FClassClown / about 11 years ago / 1

    Yes, someone married him.

  • Member #393337 / about 11 years ago / 1

    "This will give those guys in Financial the "Spark" they are looking for!!"

  • Member #396488 / about 11 years ago / 1

    OH MANNN!!!!! My Dad is going to be pissed!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Must .. finish .. before Aliens return!!

  • Member #12195 / about 11 years ago / 1

    No fear of lighting your spark!

  • ECOFOR / about 11 years ago / 1

    We put the Spark, you get the Fun !!!

  • Pokey / about 11 years ago / 1

    RoHS Rage!!!

  • Far_Seeker / about 11 years ago / 1

    Here's a picture taken during Sparkfun's version of the old Nickelodeon game show Double Dare. What the physical challenges lack in slime they more than makes up for in geekiness.

  • Member #306505 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Nooooo.......Ive been photoshoped........ good one guys

  • Echo / about 11 years ago / 1

    Having found ourselves unprepared for the SparkFun Soldering Competition 2012, we will be ready for anything this year.

  • robotteck / about 11 years ago / 1

    I'm almost done with the world's tiniest light saber.

  • Schuch1 / about 11 years ago / 1

    SpeedRacer is soldering a new Microcontroller on to Mach5! Go SpeedRacer Go!!

  • Hoobert / about 11 years ago / 1

    You're about to go into a meltdown buddy.

  • Member #398228 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Im a professional, but if you see me run, try to keep up

  • Member #396488 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Rebuilding the "Millor Dollar Manning"

  • MrWidget / about 11 years ago / 1

    Walt attempts his most difficult job yet - Mechanical Flea Circus Repairman.

  • Member #6748 / about 11 years ago / 1

    If I manage to solder a little bit of air it will become an air soldering station, finally I'll have one !!!

  • MrWidget / about 11 years ago / 1

    They will never make fun of me having an "imaginary" robot friend again!!! Do your stuff Skynet!

  • Member #398233 / about 11 years ago / 1

    I'm going to write history (and tomorrows lottery numbers)

  • Guischall / about 11 years ago / 1

    I'm almost there, Mr. Miyagi!!

  • Skimask / about 11 years ago / 1

    Canada had "The Red Green Show". We have "The Red Red Show". If the women don't find you handsome, maybe they'll find you handy.

  • Member #398225 / about 11 years ago / 1

    I am as nervous as a long tail cat in a room full of rocking chairs

  • Bob797 / about 11 years ago / 1

    If only it would sit still where I can focus on it I could do this.

  • Member #396488 / about 11 years ago / 1

    "BEAM ME UP SCOTTY"

  • swort / about 11 years ago / 1

    Let me pinpoint the solder.

  • ElegantElectrons / about 11 years ago / 1

    You know Sparkfun is getting older when you hear... "We never had a pick and place machine, we had to solder 0402 resistors like this!"

  • TechieMan / about 11 years ago / 1

    After straightening his beard and donning his safety gear, Mr. Fantastic-Beard was ready to to go after his nemesis, the wire, with only a soldering iron at his side.

  • Soldering the worlds smallest SMD part, this should be easy!

  • jma89 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Spark. Fun.

  • NotDavid4JustDavid / about 11 years ago / 1

    Hey Nate! I think that 'customer' wants to talk to you!

  • kfitch42 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Looks like One-eye Jim wrote the new safety policies at Sparkfun.

  • Alan R. / about 11 years ago / 1

    I didn't want to be an Electrical Engineer, I wanted to be...
    A Lumberjack! Leaping from tree to tree as they...

  • Member #279484 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Better to see deadbugs on the bench than on your visor!

  • CrazyCreator / about 11 years ago / 1

    The valiant engineer attempts to solder the smallest pitch chip ever made.

  • JohnSmith / about 11 years ago / 1

    Soldering iron. Vood. Fire and protection from ze cold in soviet russia.

  • D-o-m-i-n-i-k / about 11 years ago / 1

    Melt, you Solder, or I will melt you with my eyes.

  • Melt-O-Tronic / about 11 years ago / 1

    Deep inside the renowned Sparkfun hypercomputer's central core, Dr. Morbo prepares to get on Spark-O-Tron's nerves.

  • Gizmoguy / about 11 years ago / 1

    Bob installs a micro pressure switch on the tip of the needle before placing it on Roberts chair....Now we'll know the exact moment he sits on it.

  • BnE / about 11 years ago / 1

    Speed Racers most arch nemesis "Spark Racer" ha ha ha ohhhhh!

  • Steven Osborn / about 11 years ago / 1

    3d printing is so last year! I carve plastic filament with nothing but a warm soldering iron.

  • xl100 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Why can't I melt this spool of solder?

  • NotDavid4JustDavid / about 11 years ago / 1

    If you want the ultimate in Internet access, we now have a kit that allows putting an Ethernet port directly into your brain....

  • AmicableNinja / about 11 years ago / 1

    Hey Internet, don't panic. I mean, I'm only soldering your heads!!

  • FlippinJax / about 11 years ago / 1

    For his first time soldering, John didn't do so bad.

  • Mike66 / about 11 years ago / 1

    I really hate SMD parts!

  • Member #113792 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Although not a good idea to light a sparkler with a soldering iron, he did have eye protection

  • Um... Is that a bungee cord?

  • Barry2 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Yes HAL, this is going to be highly irregular.

  • "And they said finding a needle in haystack is difficult"

  • Member #224236 / about 11 years ago / 1

    New soldering helmet - Practical soldering on the go, enjoy it anywhere, even in mid air.

  • Hei oldman... where are you glasses??

  • viliamklein / about 11 years ago / 1

    Daft Punk's newest member is still working on his helmet.

  • StealthShark7 / about 11 years ago / 1

    We must use extreme caution to solder just the tip... Any more could be dangerous.

  • vaanunun / about 11 years ago * / 1

    This should end well! I wonder why they're making me wear the helmet...

  • Alfredomova / about 11 years ago / 1

    "Welcome to the magic world of electronics... I'll be your guide..."

  • npflood / about 11 years ago / 1

    "In Soviet Russia, Sparkfun solders you!"

  • ElegantElectrons / about 11 years ago / 1

    What? Momma always called this my special solder hat.

  • ElegantElectrons / about 11 years ago / 1

    Sadly, no one thought the new pilot for "fEEr factor" was any good.

  • Franchie / about 11 years ago / 1

    Self improvement,...

  • Nomad / about 11 years ago / 1

    Testing out a new method for lighting sparklers.

  • rgpadin / about 11 years ago / 1

    Just solder it. SparkfuN.

  • Member #376439 / about 11 years ago / 1

    In America, you try to melt solder. In Soviet Russia, solder tries to melt YOU!

  • Member #379305 / about 11 years ago / 1

    I hope this is the righ thing.

  • JeffT / about 11 years ago / 1

    "Sparkfun Powers Activate!"

  • chartle / about 11 years ago / 1

    This is Red Five; I'm going in!

  • Member #55913 / about 11 years ago * / 1

    "Yes Mrs. Sinclair. Little Bobby really seemed to enjoy our Intro to Soldering class."

  • Member #329489 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Almost there.... Aaaaahhhhh, and the crowd goes wild!

  • Easy_E / about 11 years ago / 1

    Surely molten solder dripping on me will toughen up my fingers.

  • GooseSG / about 11 years ago / 1

    If my insurance would only allow me to use a new catheter every time ...

  • Member #86565 / about 11 years ago / 1

    URI GELLER SOLDERS SMT WITH HIS MIND!

  • Evil_Rich / about 11 years ago / 1

    Shortly after earning his EE, Bob began his career by inventing a new variation of the middle finger salute.

  • Jamster / about 11 years ago / 1

    I didn't know people could actually make a face half decently resembling :-(

  • AmicableNinja / about 11 years ago / 1

    2013: The year we made Contact.

  • AmicableNinja / about 11 years ago / 1

    News from the Lab: SparkFun's patent-pending In-Flight Repair Jumpsuit Liner clinicals are underway. Initial results indicate "on/off" switches are desirable.

  • Member #150666 / about 11 years ago / 1

    When we opened our new wave soldering machine, we found this guy inside.

  • Member #15009 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Lester finally decided to face his fear of soldering.

  • joesugar / about 11 years ago / 1

    If these surface mount components get any smaller I'm going to have to switch to hot air.

  • TheRealTonyStark / about 11 years ago / 1

    Here in its natural habitat, a rare specimen attempts to attract a mate by creating a pungent aroma. Little does he know, the life of a Lumberjack Pilot is usually a solitary one.

  • Member #301878 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Maverick: Tower, this is Ghost Rider requesting a flyby. Air Boss Johnson: Negative, Ghost Rider, the pattern is full.

  • tiagofumo / about 11 years ago / 1

    Mr Malone, who was recently interned as a schizophrenia patient, trying to murder the flea he claims being able to see

  • Member #136363 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Once I get this fixed I will stop receiving other people's dreams.

  • tiagofumo / about 11 years ago / 1

    it's ok to solder this enriched uranium wire if i have the necessary safety... a nice helmet

  • 6sp / about 11 years ago / 1

    Everyone says soldering is fun. But they never tried to solder mosquitos.

  • mftkoehler / about 11 years ago / 1

    Sparkfun employee Bob Shabotnik prepares to cauterize a newly sterilized fruit fly.

  • Dan P. / about 11 years ago / 1

    we ordered fuses, we got fuzes. Oh well, lets first this puppy up.

  • Mars Robot Field Repair Training...Day1

  • Member #278126 / about 11 years ago / 1

    This should stop that pesky drip. Although it sure does look like it's gonna hurt!

  • Blueblast88 / about 11 years ago / 1

    WITH THIS I SHALL TAKE OVER THE WORLD!!!!

  • NerdyFirefighter / about 11 years ago / 1

    The Wolverine Solder Dispenser Project was cancelled shortly after the human trials began due to the emotional distress and horrific side-effects.

  • If he would have started using his helmet earlier he would probably have found a better method of doing this, be safe everyone!

  • Everett / about 11 years ago / 1

    they said if i had used the fume hood i wouldn't need this helmet

  • RobotDude / about 11 years ago / 1

    I'm a lumberjack big and strong, I solder in the Redwood forest all day long!

  • ChipC / about 11 years ago / 1

    Pew pew pew!

  • disabelle / about 11 years ago / 1

    I will get the answers, no matter what even if i have to hack your brains out

  • ME heat o nator / about 11 years ago / 1

    AS SOLDER IS MY WITNESS, I WILL NEVER USE LEAD AGAIN!

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