IC Refrigerator Bug
This is how to make a refrigerator magnet from an old IC. I like it because a) it's geeky, b) it looks like a mutant centipede is crawling across the fridge and c) it is from an ancient Apple II card. Be sure to check out Aeshir's version of this.
As Always, Collect Your Materials...
As alway, the first step is to collect the stuff you need. I hate it when I almost done with a project and discover that I forgot to track down some dinky 50 cent part. The list is pretty short on this project.
1. A suitable IC. I pulled mine off a card that says "Super Serial Card," and my dad, a former Apple technician, says that it was for connecting a printer to an Apple II. It's easier if they are in a socket so you don't have to desolder it.
2. A magnet. I used some old magnet strip that I had lying around. I would recommend finding something a bit stronger than that, simply because it will hold more. Make sure that you find a magnet that fits under your IC, or find an IC that fits over your magnet.
3. Glue. I used CA (superglue), use whatever you want. Superglue I know works, contact cement will almost definitely work, epoxy might work, Elmer's School Glue won't work.
4. A spacer (if necessary). You might need something to raise the magnet up. A bit of plastic, a popsicle stick, cardboard, whatever. You're creative, or you wouldn't be reading this. Figure it out.
5. A fridge. Why make a magnet if you don't have a refrigerator to stick it on?
1. A suitable IC. I pulled mine off a card that says "Super Serial Card," and my dad, a former Apple technician, says that it was for connecting a printer to an Apple II. It's easier if they are in a socket so you don't have to desolder it.
2. A magnet. I used some old magnet strip that I had lying around. I would recommend finding something a bit stronger than that, simply because it will hold more. Make sure that you find a magnet that fits under your IC, or find an IC that fits over your magnet.
3. Glue. I used CA (superglue), use whatever you want. Superglue I know works, contact cement will almost definitely work, epoxy might work, Elmer's School Glue won't work.
4. A spacer (if necessary). You might need something to raise the magnet up. A bit of plastic, a popsicle stick, cardboard, whatever. You're creative, or you wouldn't be reading this. Figure it out.
5. A fridge. Why make a magnet if you don't have a refrigerator to stick it on?
Sizing the Magnet
Make sure that the magnet fits neatly between the pins of the IC. If you are using a flexible magnet strip, which I no longer recommend, trim it down to fit. Also, make sure that the magnet is taller than the pins, especially if you use magnet strips. Distance is critical with magnets.
Glue It Together
This is kind of a self explanatory step. Remember: superglue is dangerous stuff. Besides the obvious danger of gluing your fingers together (acetone dissolves it), CA gives off cyanide gas when heated, or if it contacts Styrofoam. Cyanide burns every membrane on your face, and is not fun.
Stick It to the Fridge
If you can't figure out how to do this step, you may need professional help. This makes an entertaining bug for your refrigerator. Just remember to wait until the glue dries or you'll give "permanent magnet" a new meaning. I should mention that the magnet was about 1/64" shorter than the pins, so I snipped off about 1/32" from each pin. It sticks much better now. Lesson learned: with weak magnets, contact is crucial.