This is a nice kit that went together quickly and works well. My kit included extra resistors and six or so crystals. All but the lower-frequency 4.952 MHz crystal oscillated and tested good. It is a Colpitts oscillator whose oscillations are detected (rectified) into DC with a diode and amplified to illuminate an LED.
Tools you should have for assembling Nightfire or similar kits:
1. 25 Watt or temperature-controlled Soldering Iron with a small chisel tip,
2. Pair of small diagonal cutters (flush cut is good) for cutting component leads.
3. Pair of small needle-nose pliers for bending component leads for insertion through the circuit-board holes.
4. High-power illuminated magnifying glass for reading component values on the components.
5. A tool similar to a "Panavise" for gently holding the circuit board while you solder the components.
6. Rosin core solder such as what might be available at Radio Shack or Kester "44". I recommend a 63/37 PB/SN "Eutectic" blend with a thin diameter such as 0.030 or 0.060 inches.
7. Desoldering hand pump such as Edsyn DS017.
8. Desoldering braid or wick (for when you make a soldering mistake).
9. Color code chart for understanding resistor values.
10. Chart for understanding capacitor value codes such as "103" or "104".
11. Internet computer for searching for component information such as identifying transistor emitter/base/collector or drain/source/gate leads.
Be sure to read the accompanying information about the components included in your kit.The instructions were a little confusing. There was no mention that the crystal included in the kit is for testing and not part of the circuit. The tester works fine.
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