Explanation:
Required tools and components:
Soldering iron
Solder
Flux pen
Fine gauge solder (23 gauge or finer)
Wire cutter
MAX31855 thermocouple interface chip (available directly from Maxim Integrated)
Thermocouple with junction suitable for your application (e.g., probe, washer, etc.)
J-type (-40°C to +750°C)
K-type (-200°C to +1350°C)
T-type (-200°C to +350°C) Solid state relay (will depend on your application)
USB FTDI 5V cable (Note: A single cable can be used for many different microcontroller projects)
Computer with Arduino IDE v1.0
Wall-wart 9V/1.5A, 2.1mm center positive