can you get the Hakko? https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-Digital-FX888D-Soldering-Station/dp/B00AWUFVY8
I believe this is also popular, but I can't vouch for it: http://m.banggood.com/MINI-TS100-Digital-OLED-Programable-Interface-DC-5525-Soldering-Iron-Station-Built-in-STM32-Chip-p-984214.html
Well I just bought this one that I haven't tried yet. It has amazing reviews and although it looks like a pre-K toy it most certainly isn't.
In case anyone cares, I ordered this.
Likely the tip is contacting the AC live. That thing is an electrocution waiting to happen. Bin it and complain :)
If you absolutely must cheap out on a soldering iron get this one at an absolute minimum. Can take a lot of abuse, delivers enough power for a beginner and most importantly is safe.
Then save up for one of these.
Dont buy a Weller, buy a Hakko 888D
http://www.amazon.com/Hakko-Digital-FX888D-CHP170-bundle/dp/B00AWUFVY8
Edit: Reason the cheap Wellers are pretty shitty, and the Hakko is a little workhorse.
continuing my response...(was too long, had to break it up):
HD Recording Camera- I’m on board with the Mobius. Quick question though- A few of my friends have GoPros and I love the quality and the fact that you can see a live (kinda) stream via wifi on your phone with the go pro app. Does the Mobius have an app for this or wifi features? I heard the Mobius also has more recording features, do you like it based on your experience?
As of this weekend, I kind of hate my mobius. I liked it at first...but it's just not capable enough at the speeds I'm flying. I'm going to get the $130 GoPro Hero basic, or a SJ-4000 (gopro knockoff, but very very capable and half the price at $70). Most likely I'll end up with the SJ-4000 from what I've seen in side by side tests.
Soldering Iron- I havn’t solder’d in a couple of years. Do you have a suggestion for an iron or type of solder?
Yes, This. Hands down. Amazing iron and can be had at Frys Electronics for $69.99 regularly. Get 60/40 rosin core solder. DON'T FORGET ROSIN CORE FLUX TOO. Practice a bit before soldering your components.
ESC programmer- Based on the ESC you recommended above (DYS SN20a), What type of ESC programmer would I get?
No Idea....I'd have to research a little bit but I'd get the BLHeli firmware on the SN20a ESCs for sure over Simonk
I think that should answer just about everything you asked. Let me know if you need clarification/more info! And most of all, welcome to the hobby :)
EDIT: Adding section taken from main post here-
3d Printing
I wanted to add that you should either consider investing in, or finding a local 3d printer. Become acquainted with www.thingiverse.com as it will provide all sorts of solutions for your quadcopter. Everything from camera mounts, to led mounts, skid plates, antenna holders, angle mounts, entire micro frames, etc. It's really a useful tool for this particular hobby, and just a cool second hobby to have on the side (as you can do so much more than just print quad parts). If you actually wanted to get one, the Printrbot is a great choice at ~$500, and the Rostock Max would be the next level of printer at $1000...but super sweet. A Wanhao Duplicator i3 can be had for as low as $375. Once you've decided to buy your own 3d printer, or just use a print shop, you can use www.tinkercad.com as an easy way to start modeling custom 3d objects to print. Your tinkercad account can be directly linked to thingiverse for easy publication, where others can even "remix" your work and make it better (like if a wall was too thin somewhere, or you needed to add a bracket somewhere for structural integrity, etc).
I bought this... works great. Heats up in like 30 seconds.
a used hakko 936 or weller soldering station will work. also any decent weller pencil solderer will work.