I've identified several places where I can tap the data into the receiver chip and at the uC to collect data.  The problem with this kind of work is that you aren't really supposed to be soldering on pins of these chips that are usually baked on during manufacturing.  I've identified a small lead to the chip I want to tap, and scraping off the insulation I have a nice 1/16" exposed area to solder to (indicated in the picture, above).


Problem is, I don't have a soldering iron that has a tip that small.  I understand they do make them, but I have a $40 Radio Shack soldering iron and I didn't want to wait for the delivery of a more expensive unit (though I really should still order that).


My friend Nick's cousin Paolo (those of you who know Nick DePetrillo know of his cousin Paolo, who is always referred to as "Nick's cousin Paolo", even when addressing Paolo himself) suggested wrapping a pin around the soldering tip with some wire to conduct enough heat to melt the solder.   picked up 24-gauge bus wire from Radio Shack, cut the sharp end off of a safety pin and went to town.

This is a total hack, and doesn't work very well, but it was enough to get my lines soldered on.  I need to get some smaller jumper wires since the breadboard-jumpers I am using right now are too big to stay connected with such a small bead of solder.  More fun to continue, despite the current condition of my office.  --Josh