Electronics, Soldering & Troubleshooting Curriculum
Every deployment includes this curriculum. Membership requires demonstrated proficiency — no certificates, no test scores. You advance by doing.
Stage 1: Safety & Identification (2–4 weeks)
Goal: Understand risks, identify components, handle tools safely.
| # | Skill | Check-off Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify AC vs DC power sources | Correctly label 5 power sources |
| 2 | Identify voltage levels (5V, 12V, 230V) | Match voltages to 10 components |
| 3 | Demonstrate safe soldering posture and ventilation | Observed by instructor for 30 min |
| 4 | Identify resistor, capacitor, diode, transistor, IC | Correctly identify 20 components on PCB |
| 5 | Read resistor color codes | Correctly read 10 resistors |
| 6 | Use multimeter: V, A, Ω | Within 5% on 5 measurements |
| 7 | Identify 18650 cell + explain danger | Oral quiz + safe handling demo |
| 8 | Explain CRT safety | Oral quiz + discharge procedure |
Stage 2: Basic Soldering & Circuits (4–6 weeks)
Goal: Build and troubleshoot simple circuits.
| # | Skill | Check-off Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Solder through-hole joint on perfboard | 5 joints pass visual + pull test |
| 2 | Desolder component using braid and pump | Remove and replace 5 components |
| 3 | Build LED circuit on perfboard | Circuit works; explain current flow |
| 4 | Wire 12V LED strip with proper polarity | Strip, tin, connect; lights up |
| 5 | Build voltage divider circuit | Measure output within 10% |
| 6 | Use heat shrink and electrical tape properly | 5 joints pass inspection |
| 7 | Identify and replace blown fuse | Find, remove, replace in 3 devices |
| 8 | Swap RAM modules in desktop PC | PC boots successfully |
Stage 3: Power Systems (4–6 weeks)
Goal: Understand and build DC power systems for terminals.
| # | Skill | Check-off Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Test 18650 cell with multimeter | Test 20 cells; categorize by health |
| 2 | Use LiitoKala Lii-500 cell tester | Test 10 cells; produce written results |
| 3 | Build 4S battery pack | Pack produces correct voltage under load |
| 4 | Spot weld nickel strip connections | 10 welds pass pull test |
| 5 | Install and configure BMS on 4S pack | BMS balances cells; protections trip correctly |
| 6 | Wire solar panel → MPPT → battery | System charges; measure current |
| 7 | Calculate power budget for deployment | Written calculation verified |
| 8 | Diagnose and replace failed cap in desktop PSU | Identify bulging cap; replace; PC boots |
Stage 4: Computer Hardware & Linux (6–8 weeks)
Goal: Refurbish a desktop PC, install Linux, set up multiuser access.
| # | Skill | Check-off Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Disassemble and reassemble desktop PC | PC boots after reassembly |
| 2 | Diagnose common desktop failures | Successfully diagnose 3 faulty PCs |
| 3 | Replace HDD with SSD; install Linux | PC boots into Linux; user can log in |
| 4 | Configure Linux multiuser | 3 users can log in and run programs |
| 5 | Install and configure Ollama | Local model responds to prompt |
| 6 | Install and configure opencode | User can interact with AI via terminal |
| 7 | Configure network | PC connects; can ping router |
| 8 | Build complete terminal from secondhand parts | Passes full deployment checklist |
Stage 5: Advanced Electronics & Community Teaching (8–12 weeks)
Goal: Independently troubleshoot complex faults and teach others.
| # | Skill | Check-off Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trace circuit board: power, ground, signal paths | Annotated schematic of CRT PSU section |
| 2 | Diagnose and repair CRT monitor (PSU section) | CRT produces stable image |
| 3 | Build buck/boost converter from module | Converter produces correct voltage under load |
| 4 | Build complete solar + battery + terminal from scratch | System runs 7 days without grid |
| 5 | Teach Stage 1 skills to 3 new learners | Learners pass Stage 1 check-offs |
| 6 | Document a repair procedure that doesn't exist yet | Written procedure verified by another tech |
| 7 | Propose a local innovation or improvement | Written proposal reviewed by community |
Membership Progression
Visitor
Anyone can use the terminal during open hours
Learner
Enrolled in curriculum
Technician
Completed Stages 1–4
Senior Technician
Completed all 5 stages
Community Lead
Senior Tech who trained 3+ Technicians